Local cop, a military veteran, receives patriotic surprise for his K9 companion

Lou DiBella built a doghouse decorated with the stars and stripes, and wanted to donate the patriotic project to a deserving recipient.

Maybe a military organization, municipality or the American Kennel Club might like it, DiBella, of Scoth Plains, New Jersey, wrote on Facebook.

Hackettstown police announced Friday the lucky recipient was Patrolman Chris Laver, an Iraq war veteran whose K9 partner on the police force, Jada, was more than happy to receive her new shelter.