A Brisbane boy whose father was killed earlier this year, allegedly by the kid's mother, has been given a labrador puppy by Queensland Police.
Police officers came together this week to gift the boy with a dog called Copper as he faces a future without either of his parents.
Remi Rooney's father promised his son a dog before he died, but they weren't able to have one in the unit they shared.
Remi was overjoyed when officers surprised him with the new pup asking: "Is he mine?"
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Police told the boy: "He's all yours!"
Speaking to Sunrise, Remi's grandmother, Noeline Rooney, said the family had fallen apart since Remi's father's death.
"Remi's been our main priority, but I've still lost my son," she said. "I try to cry quietly at the sink, but he's got ears like elephants and he comes and says - are you upset?"
Senior Constable Karen Edwards told Sunrise the idea came from Remi's counsellor.
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"It all came about through a counsellor when she said he really could do with something for him to love for himself," the police officer said.
Senior Constable Edwards added that the police officers involved just wanted to do something to help.
"At the end of the day, we are human beings in blue suits. Every police officer joins to help people," she said.
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The Stafford division of the Queensland Police Service set up a Go Fund Me to raise the funds for the pup and it absolutely smashed its $6,000 goal with $12,000 in donations.
The remaining money will be used to support Remi and Copper with ongoing training and care.
"After Remi's dad died in June, his counsellor suggested, as part of his recovery, Remi needs something of his very own to love and care for," reads the page.
"Remi loves dogs. Remi also has a very strong connection with police, so his counsellor further suggested if a pup was gifted by police, it would greatly assist with his healing.
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"Remi is a remarkable young boy and will love and care for his new dog with every ounce of his being."
Brisbane's Newmarket soccer club is also raising funds to support Remi's future education and additional crowdfunding is also underway with a current fundraiser so far at $76,500.
Remi Rooney's father, Kerry Rooney, was allegedly murdered by Remi's mother Bonita Vivien Coue in June.
The case was due to be held before Brisbane Magistrates Court in July but has been significantly delayed due to material missing from a brief of evidence.
