Attention HR: Will Work Like a Dog

Here’s a disturbing new trend created by the current economy: Paying to work for free.

Tom Ashbrook of radio talk show On Point recently reported parents are starting to shell out major dough to secure unpaid internships for recent grads—to the tune of $5,000, $8,000, even $9,000.

Rising unemployment is turning job seeker’s new levels of desperation into big business. And perhaps no one understands this better than police K9 Nitro.

After years of loyal service and assisting in 40 arrests, Nitro lost his police-dog job due to budget cuts in May, according to the Seattle Times. While the K9 commanded no salary during his employment, his food and vet bills cost the Aberdeen Police force some 12K per year.

His loyal partner Timmons fundraised to help cover Nitro’s cost to the force. After raking in a $57,000 in community support, Nitro was quickly rehired and put to use—along with his 57K. Hope that buys him at least a little more time on the force.

Wonder if this changes Nitro’s job title to intern, or 57K9.