US Coast Guard station adopts dog as mascot

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (KABC) -- A United States Coast Guard station in Milwaukee adopted a four-legged mascot named Barnacle, who members say helps boost morale.

Barnacle is a 2-year-old terrier mix and gets to spend his days playing fetch in the hallways at the station.

His new life is thanks to the help of Anthony Kaminski, who found his furry pal wandering a Florida grocery store parking lot last summer.

For six weeks, Kaminski and his wife looked for an owner, but no one came forward.

"He's a good dog right from the beginning. He was quiet, meshed well with our family," Kaminski said.

The family then decided to keep Barnacle, and when Kaminski was relocated to Milwaukee last year, he asked if Barnacle could be made the station's official mascot.

Crew members took a vote and Barnacle was in.

"From the first day he arrived at the station, he was just right at home and just loved everybody. It's a win-win for all of us," Chief Eric Hopperdietzel said.