The 3-year-old pup cannot stay at home due to the intense training required for her officer rank, but every two weeks, when Lawrence visits her — sometimes joined by Dana — it becomes one of those joyful moments that feel just like a real family.

From TV Star to Dog Dad: How Dana Perino Inspired Lawrence Jones to Adopt Service Dog Nala

In a heart-melting twist that’s got everyone talking, Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence B. Jones III just dropped a bombshell: his adorable 3.6-year-old Belgian Malinois, Nala, the service dog stealing hearts in Merrillville, Indiana, was adopted thanks to none other than his Fox News colleague, Dana Perino. The story of how this TV star became a devoted “dog dad” to his second canine companion—and how Nala’s intense police training has created a unique family dynamic—is straight out of a feel-good blockbuster. Grab your tissues, because this tale of friendship, furry loyalty, and unexpected connections is about to take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

It all started in an unlikely place: a casual chat at the Fox News studios in New York City. Jones, the 32-year-old libertarian firebrand known for his sharp takes and “man-on-the-street” segments, was already making waves as Merrillville’s first auxiliary police officer, sworn in on February 25, 2025. His passion for K-9 units was no secret—he’d helped funnel $25,000 worth of dogs and services to the Merrillville Police Department through his partnership with Baden K-9 in Ontario, Canada. But it was Dana Perino, the Fox & Friends veteran and self-proclaimed dog lover, who nudged Jones toward a life-changing decision. “Dana’s always talking about her dog, Jasper, and how much joy he brings,” Jones revealed in a recent interview. “She told me, ‘Lawrence, you’ve got so much love for K-9s—why not adopt one yourself?’ That’s when Nala came into my life.”

Nala, a sleek and spirited Belgian Malinois, isn’t just any dog. At 3.6 years old, she’s a highly trained service dog, handpicked for her intelligence, agility, and fierce loyalty—qualities that make her a perfect fit for Merrillville’s K-9 unit. As Jones’ second dog, Nala follows in the pawprints of his first canine companion (whose identity he’s kept under wraps), but she’s already carved out her own special place in his heart. “Nala’s not just a dog—she’s a partner,” Jones gushed at a recent town event. “She’s got this fire in her, but when she looks at you with those big eyes, you’re done for.”

The catch? Nala’s rigorous training as a service dog means she can’t lounge at Jones’ New York City apartment like a typical pet. Stationed in Merrillville, where she’s being groomed for her “officer rank,” Nala lives at a specialized facility to maintain her elite skills in scent detection and patrol work. For Jones, who splits his time between Fox News’ Manhattan studios and his auxiliary cop duties in Indiana, this means bittersweet separations. But every two weeks, he makes the pilgrimage to Merrillville to reunite with his four-legged partner—and sometimes, Dana Perino tags along for the ride.

“Those visits are everything,” Jones admitted, his voice softening. “It’s like a family reunion. Dana comes with me sometimes, and you should see Nala light up. It’s like she knows we’re her people.” Perino, whose own dog Jasper has become a Fox News fan favorite, is no stranger to the bond between humans and their canine companions. Her encouragement didn’t stop at inspiring Jones to adopt Nala—she’s become an honorary “aunt” to the pup, joining Jones for training sessions and showering Nala with treats and belly rubs. “Dana’s got this way with dogs,” Jones laughed. “She’s like the cool aunt who sneaks Nala an extra treat when I’m not looking.”

These biweekly reunions are more than just playtime. For Jones, who grew up in Garland, Texas, dreaming of becoming a cop, Nala represents a connection to his roots and his new role in Merrillville. As an auxiliary officer, he rides along with the town’s police force, spotlighting their work under tight budgets and using his platform to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. Nala, with her wagging tail and fearless spirit, is a key part of that mission. “Kids in Merrillville love her,” Jones said. “She’s not just a service dog—she’s a hero they can look up to.”

The story gets juicier when you consider the backdrop. Jones, who studied political science and criminal justice at the University of North Texas, has always been a polarizing figure. From his 2016 undercover work with Project Veritas to raising $844,000 for an Indiana pizzeria that sparked controversy over its stance on LGBTQ weddings, he’s no stranger to headlines. A 2019 gaffe blaming Obama’s administration for Jeffrey Epstein’s lenient plea deal and a recent hot-mic moment with President Trump didn’t help. Yet, Nala seems to be softening his image. “She’s teaching me patience,” Jones confessed. “You can’t be a hothead with a dog like Nala—she keeps you grounded.”

Merrillville Police Chief Kosta Nuses, who first met Jones at Baden K-9, couldn’t be happier with the arrangement. “Lawrence and Nala are a dynamic duo,” he said. “His work with our K-9 program, and now with Nala, is helping us show the community who we are.” Town Council President Rick Bella agrees, noting that Jones’ celebrity status—and Nala’s charm—are putting Merrillville on the map. Even Indiana’s Director of Homeland Security, Jennifer-Ruth Green, got in on the action, presenting Jones with a congratulatory letter from Governor Mike Braun at his swearing-in.

As Jones balances his TV gigs, auxiliary cop duties, and dog-dad responsibilities, the tabloid buzz is electric. Is Nala the key to a softer, more relatable Lawrence Jones? Will Dana Perino keep popping up as Nala’s VIP cheerleader? One thing’s certain: this trio—Jones, Perino, and their four-legged superstar—is giving Merrillville a story worth barking about. And with Nala’s soulful eyes and wagging tail, it’s a saga that’s only just begun.