Fate Of Mexico's Retired Police Dogs Gets Brighter
Animals are a great help to the police and military in practically all countries in the world. But, inevitably, there comes a point when it’s time for them to retire. Sometimes, retired police dogs can’t find the loving home they so deserve. That’s why Mexico has launched a new scheme to help dogs into a happy retirement after working with the nation’s police force.
Mexico’s new police dog adoption program
According to Renato Sales Heredia, Mexico’s Security Commissioner, police dogs will be able to live with a family once they leave active service. Of course, there have always been dogs that find a new home with former trainers or colleagues. This happens when their duties end. But not all police dogs have been so lucky.
The first generation of retired police dogs in Mexico begins with “Rosty”. He is an officer with nine years of impeccable service, and completed several training courses in Colombia to learn about drug detection. And as Jorge Luis de Aquino, a federal police officer, has indicated, up until now police dogs were simply discharged when their service came to an end, and were often put down at the end of their working lives. Fortunately, though, this has now changed.
The dog officer assigned to policeman King David Villalobos, Tokyo, might live with his partner. Villalobos has two small daughters who can’t wait to take him home and give him all the love and care he deserves for the closing years of his life – and it’s worth mentioning that these dogs retire at 9 or 10 years of age, and can live for up to 5 or 6 more.
Tokyo’s Story
Both Tokyo and his handler Rey have survived dangerous operations together, battling against drug cartels and their bullets. Tokyo’s special skills including detecting drugs, sniffing out hidden money and locating caches of illicit weapons.
Another prominent case is that of a dog named Claudia. She is a black Labrador retriever who has been the faithful companion of Petty Officer Carmen Durán for no less than 9 years. Together, they investigated more than 30 bomb threats in 2009 alone. And, all this after they survived an attack by organized criminals in the public square of the city of Morelia. This was during celebrations to mark the anniversary of Mexico’s independence.
The future of these dogs
Dogs that can not find a home with their former colleagues will go to the Asociación Canófila de México, which will be responsible for finding the dog a suitable adoptive family. As Manelich Castilla Craviotto says, “these dogs were merely a tool for the institution, and received treatment as such.”
But now, they are recognized for what they are: canine officers at the service of citizens and their security. Therefore, they have the right to a good life. From now on, all those who wish to adopt retired police dogs in Mexico just have to make their way to the Association.
A police dog adoption initiative in Catalonia
Since 2014, the NGO Retired Dogs 112 has worked with canine officers. They do this after their retirement to find them loving adoptive families. Brian’s story is one of the most emotional stories. He served for years. But, in the end, had to give way to his younger colleagues due to his physical health.
This beautiful black-haired German shepherd had endured various high-risk missions when he was part of the Spanish police. In the end, Rafael and his family adopted him. This is thanks to the NGO that’s dedicated to connecting retired dogs with families who want to give them a home.
According to Rafael, a native of Barcelona, his children saw the dog as a police officer, and therefore as a hero. In the end, in his new loving home, Brian took just two months to get used to being a pet.
Image source: lanacion.com.ar and www.elconfidencial.com