3-year-old Dallas is one of 31 Pit Bull-type dogs rescued from a Canadian dog fighting ring. According to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they were discovered chained to metal stakes with evidence of fighting – including schedules, muzzles, break sticks, steroids and suture kits – found on the property.
But after a lengthy legal battle, Dallas has left that life far behind.
He will graduate from a six week training program next month and begin serving the town of Honaker, Virginia as their first and only narcotics sniffing dog.
Jen Deane, founder and president of the Florida-based rescue group, Pit Sisters credits Dallas’ playful nature for his selection as a K9 officer.
“We knew that his combination of ball drive and his wanting of human praise was the perfect combination to be a police dog,” she told the Washington Post.
His play drive and friendly personality made him a clear choice for police work, and after assessing him in person, the Pennsylvania non-profit, the Throw Away Dogs Project agreed to train Dallas. He is now working under veteran police K-9 trainer, Bruce Myers.
“He will save many lives,” Myers said. “If he helps take one brick of heroin off the street, that can save 1,000 people. And he will be incredibly proficient by the time he leaves here.”
Meanwhile, the Honaker Police Department is happily preparing for their newest officer. Dallas will live and work with officer Cody Rowe, a former K-9 officer with the Virginia Department of Correction.
“I worked with a lot of German shepherds, but I remember many handlers worked with pit bulls,” Rowe said. “They are incredible police dogs. … It’s amazing to watch them work.”
Chief Brandon Cassell said the town has long been hoping for a narcotics dog, but could not afford the $10,000-plus price tag. They are incredibly grateful to Dog Tales, the Canadian rescue group instrumental in sparing the dogs from euthanasia. The group is covering Dallas’ training costs and donating him to the Honaker PD.
When asked how he felt about having one of the country’s first Pit Bull police dogs, Cassell said:
“We are going to treat him just like a regular officer. We know what he is going to wear, have ordered him a badge and are going to welcome him to the department just like we would a human officer.”
Best of luck, Dallas! We know you are going to be big hero!
H/T to The Washington Post
Featured Images via Facebook/Pit Sisters
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