Google “police dog” and you’re sure to find tons of adorable pictures of German Shepards suited up in their very own puppy police vests. But not every German Shepard is cut out for a life in law enforcement. Just ask Gavel.

Gavel, a German Shepard from Australia, was training to be the next four-legged member of the Queensland police force. He spent months at a police dog academy only to be told he “did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line.”

In other words, Gavel preferred playing with the perps, not chasing them down.

His handlers had faith he could turn things around. In a press release, the Queensland Police wrote: “Gavel comes from a long line of pedigree…if the family bloodline is anything to go by, in 16 months Gavel will be tracking and catching criminals as a proud member of the Queensland Dog Squad!”

However, Gavel must not have gotten the family gene of fighting crime and was booted from the program.

Thankfully the “doggy dropout,” as the BBC called him, had some friends in high places and didn’t need to look far for his next gig.

The Governor of Queensland, who had fostered Gavel since he was six-months old, made the lovable German Shepard the very first Vice-Regal Dog of Queensland.

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His duties now include welcoming guests and tour groups to the Queensland’s Government House, and participating in special ceremonies.

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He even gets to wear a fancy, custom-made uniform that displays Queensland’s state emblems.

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Needless to say, Gavel is VERY happy in his new position.

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You can check out the Governor of Queensland’s Facebook page or Instagram account for more adorable pictures of Gavel as he underwent his journey from failed police pup to Queensland’s very first Vice-Regal Dog.