18 Jul 2026 Pet of the Month: Easy Does It

By KD Reep

Most visitors to the Arkansas State Capitol notice Easy long before they realize she’s working.

The energetic black Labrador retriever greets people with a wagging tail, bright eyes and a friendly personality. Employees stop to say hello. Visitors ask to pet her. Some Capitol staff members even seek her out during stressful days for a quick dose of comfort and encouragement.

What many don’t realize is that Easy is also making history.

At just 18 months old, Easy is the first K9 officer in the history of the Arkansas State Capitol Police and serves as a specialized weapons detection dog responsible for helping protect one of the state’s most important public spaces.

“One of my goals when I became secretary of state was to make the Capitol safer for everyone who works here and everyone who visits,” said Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester. As he explored ways to strengthen Capitol security, he traveled to Pennsylvania to observe a canine detection program that was successfully using specially trained dogs to enhance public safety.

“We found that using a detection dog was both the most cost-efficient and effective way to help ensure that Capitol staff, Arkansans and visitors feel safe and secure at their State Capitol,” Jester said.

With funding provided through a grant from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, the Capitol launched the program and welcomed Easy to Arkansas. Easy’s journey began in Hungary, where she received specialized training before coming to Arkansas for additional work with Von Klein Stein Working Dogs, a nationally recognized training facility. There she was paired with Arkansas State Police Officer Angelo Aldrighetti, who has been her partner since.

“Easy lives with me, so we’re together all the time,” he said. “We come to work together every day, and we’re partners both on and off duty.” Most mornings begin with training exercises designed to keep Easy’s skills sharp. Aldrighetti places training scents throughout the Capitol building and grounds, then works alongside Easy as she searches for them.

“We train every day,” he said. “That keeps her focused and helps make sure she’s ready whenever she’s needed.”

Easy’s primary responsibility is detecting odors associated with explosive devices. She routinely patrols both the interior and exterior of the Capitol grounds and is called upon to inspect suspicious or unidentified packages delivered to the building.

Unlike many Capitol employees, Easy never has to attend meetings or spend time behind a desk.

“She’s always working,” Aldrighetti said with a smile. “Even when people think she’s just being friendly, she’s still monitoring her environment and doing exactly what she’s trained to do.”

That constant vigilance helps Capitol Police maintain a balance between security and accessibility.

“We want people to feel welcome when they visit their Capitol,” Jester said. “Easy allows us to provide an additional layer of security while maintaining that welcoming atmosphere.”

While Easy takes her responsibilities seriously, she’s still very much a young Labrador retriever.

Her affectionate personality has made her something of a celebrity around the Capitol, where employees often stop by just to say hello. For many, Easy has become more than a security asset. She has become part of the Capitol family. Aldrighetti says that’s one of the things that makes her special.

“People love seeing her,” he said. “She helps brighten their day while helping keep them safe.”