(AFP PHOTO POOL / Ryan Remiorz)
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"A Tribute to Service Dogs"
***************************
"My
Partner"
My dog is more than my
partner you see,
Because he is a very good friend to
me.
He's the nose I don't have, the eyes
I have not,
He's one of the best partners most
cops ain't got.
Day by day we do what we do best,
His four paws never seem to rest.
He always does whatever I ask,
Seeming to enjoy every task.
I know one day his work will be
done,
But for now we can only have fun.
For my dog is more than a partner to
me,
My dog is my best friend and he
always will be.
Written By: K-9 Officer Brett Cyr
Texas City Police Department |
Vest-A-Dog
Protecting The Dogs Who Protect Us
Donations Needed For Police K9 Vests |
|
Git Ander
~World Trade Center Hero~
Who was needlessly and recklessly killed
in the line of duty. |
"A Police Dog's Prayer"
Oh almighty God,
whose great power and eternal
wisdom embraces the universe,
watch over my handler while I sleep.
Protect my handler from harm
while I am unable to do so.
I pray, help keep our streets and homes
safe while my handler and I rest.
I ask for your loving care because
my handler's duty is dangerous.
Grant my handler your unending strength
and courage in our daily assignments.
Dear God,
protect my brave handler,
grant your almighty protection,
unite my handler safely with the family
after the tour of duty has ended.
I ask nothing for myself.
Amen. |
"Life Of A Police Dog"
We're both partners and buddies in blue.
We did school demos and never did wrong,
Over the years, my love did grow strong.
How I loved to work, stand up and bark,
In the back of our car, from light until dark.
We went call to call, having fun all the way,
Until the call came on that one fateful day.
A man with a gun, the dispatcher did say,
I jumped from my car when it pointed your way.
Before leaving home, I was told by your wife,
I knew at that moment, I'd give you my life.
The bullet struck hard, steady and true,
The bullet struck me, it did not strike you.
When you go home, tell your wife I did good,
Strong, tall and proud on the ground that I stood.
I'm dead and gone now, this much is so true,
But I've done my job well in protecting you.
(Author Unknown)
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"I Gave My All"
I am a deputy in a canine crew.
I have been trained to see it through.
When danger is near my ears perk up,
They taught me that when I was a pup.
I am often there to protect your rights,
My presence sometimes hinders fights,
I never attack with thought to kill,
When subduing one, my job I fulfill.
I never worry a single thought,
As to how I will fare at a certain spot.
The love I have for a handler's care,
Is all I need, each day to fare.
And if some day my luck turns bad,
I will relish the joys I have ever had.
To be with men who stand for good,
In a special kind of "brotherhood."
The story's end by now you know,
Of how I tried for a better show,
When I was called and I gave my all.
(Author Unknown)
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Arkansas State Police
K9 Charlie
Killed While On Duty March 13,
2000
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"A Working Dog's Oath"
I will lay down my life for you
and expect nothing but love in return.
I protect my officer with my life,
and would gladly take a bullet in his place.
I am sent in to find lost children
and fugitives on the run.
I find drugs and weapons and even bombs.
I am the first sent in
and sometimes the last to leave.
I am the nose and ears of my officer.
I will protect and serve him.
I would die for him and for you.
I only ask for compassion and a kind word.
"Guardians Of
The Night"
Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.
|
Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.
I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.
If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together We
are guardians of the night.
--Author unknown
|
Now, I am told I was bred
for "show"
Do I deserve to be dropped this low?
In the canine world I am the King,
I do not care for the dog show ring.
It bores me til the day I die
Why can I no longer do my part
And serve mankind with all my heart?
My heritage demands of me
to be what I was born to be,
Return my birth right that once was mine
A Chance To Lay My
Life On The Line!
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Belgian Malinois
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"In Remembrance of K9 Rocky"
My partner passed away Sunday, 06 Aug 2000 and he took a little bit of me with
him. He was 13 years old. To me he was my best friend, my guardian and my
partner. Rock is with his friends now, chasing his ball, or a cat, or spreading the
trash around the floor looking for food even though he just ate. Not a minute goes
by that I don't miss his presence. I believe in time the sadness will be somewhat
replaced by the wonderful memories of times we had together and the life we shared.
By the time he was 1 year old Rocky began his training to become a Police K-9. When
I first met this dog and for some time after I didn't think he would make the grade.
Rocky loved people, especially children. While this dog had an amazing capacity for
love, he also had the heart of a lion. He did his job because he loved it.
Rock breezed though his training until the moment of truth - the final test. All of
our dogs must pass this test to "see what they are made of". We called it
the courage test.
Rocky was put on a short lead and tied to a fence so there was no retreat. I was to hide
where he couldn't see me. A bad guy who was also hidden would come charging out at
him, yelling and screaming, holding a switch above his head. The bad guy would swing
the stick at the dog. If the dog showed the slightest sign of hesitation or fear, or
if they retreated that was the end
of their career. Their lead must remain taut. Rock passed with flying
colors. His lips were rolled back and scrunched up exposing his huge teeth. Spit was
flying everywhere. I was so proud of him. The bad guy made the mistake of
getting his hand within reach of those teeth for a split second and it earned him a trip
to the hospital to get sewn back together.
|
During
Rocky's career he made many felony apprehensions. Our dogs are trained not to bite
the individual as long as they stop running. If they run or try to fight the dog,
they get a 90+lb German Shepherd attached to them. Many of Rock's apprehensions were
made without bites. When they saw that big dog running full speed toward them they
simply gave up.
Many of them were so frightened by his appearance that by the time I caught
up to where Rocky had them they had the tell tale wet spot on the front of their pants and
some had an unpleasant odor about them....
On one occasion I responded to a call of a berserk person inside a store.
The "actor" as we call them was high on drugs and was totally flipping out. I
went into the store, leaving the driver's window open as was the practice to allow Rocky
to exit the car if need be. I didn't take Rock inside because of the customers in
the store. As I got inside the guy fled out the back and I ran after him, he ran out
onto the main street and began punching the windows out of the buildings as he
passed. I finally caught up to him and tackled him in the middle of the main street
and struggled to get control of him. Rocky could now see us and exited the car to
offer his assistance. Rocky was struck by a passing pickup truck and thrown.
When I learned what had happened I went to him and checked him for injuries. Amazingly,
nothing was apparent but I took him to our Veterinarian to have him checked and they found
nothing.
Later, as Rocky got older, he began to
have trouble walking, especially after lying down for a while. He now was about 10
years old. One day he just collapsed on the floor and didn't move. I carried the big
guy and put him in my truck (he was now a solid 106 pounds). I took him to the
Vet again and they took X-rays. They told me that Rock had arthritis in his spine,
probably from his work injury. They gave me medicine for him and it did help some. I
enjoyed working with Rocky but what I will really miss is his companionship. It
seems so unfair that such a wonderful animal has but a short time on this earth. The
qualities that they possess by nature are so cherished by humans but rarely attained -
unconditional love and loyalty to name two.
My wife and I were both with him when he passed, we were holding him,
stroking his fur and talking to him. It deeply affected both of us but I am glad he
didn't have to go through it alone. This house will never be the same without
him. Rock was buried in our butterfly garden on the hill near where he loved to
spend time. I got him a headstone with a picture of a German Shepherd head on
it. The words "K-9 Rocky" appear at the top with the dates of his presence
below. In German I had a tribute engraved which translated means,
"Rest In Peace my True Friend".
-- Ken Kramer --
"Dogs have given
us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus
of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is
without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." - Roger Caras
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"The
Life Of A
Police Dog"
You brought me home
One sunny day
With you for years
I would surely stay.
I met your pack
Children and wife
I began to love
My new-found life.
I slept on your couch
At the foot of your bed
You looked at me lovingly
While petting my head.
We trained for months
And our bonding grew
We were both partners
Buddies in Blue.
We did school demo’s
And I never did wrong
Over all of the years
My love for you grew strong. |
How I
loved to work
To stand up and bark
In the back of our car
From light until dark.
We went call to call
Having fun all the way
Until the call came
On that one fateful day.
A man with a gun
The dispatcher did say
I jumped from my car
When it pointed your way.
Before leaving home I was told
“keep him safe” by your wife
I knew at that moment
For you I would give my life.
The bullet struck
hard
Steady and true
The bullet struck me instead
Of striking you. |
When you go home tonight
Tell your wife I did good
Strong, Tall and Proud
On the ground that I stood.
I’m dead and gone now
This much is true
But I’ve done my job well
Of protecting you.
Thank you
Loyal partner,
Faithful friend,
You will be greatly missed.
--Author Unknown-- |
("Schnapps"
in the photo above is not a Police K9, but he possesses the spirit of one. Schnapps
is owned by Marisa Capozzo.)
"In
Memory Of All Police Dogs"
They handled
themselves with beauty & grace
and who could ever forget that beautiful face
Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test
they always worked hard; and did their best
They were real champions; at work or at play
but their lives were cut short; suddenly one day
While working on the job with their partner one day
they put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way
They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give
they gave up their life; so someone could live
The best of their breed;
as his partner and anyone would say
many hearts are now broken;
that he had to prove it this way
Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze
the sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees
The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall
off in the distance they can see a waterfall
As they look over the falls; down through the creek
the water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek
Far up above; in the deep blue sky
they see the birds soar high; as they fly by
They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall
chasing each other; and just having a ball
They play all day; from morning to night
there's no more rain; just warm sunlight
Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow
then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow
The harps would play and the angels would sing
as they know they've come home;
they've earned their wings
We remember that they died; in the line of duty
and are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty
Off to the meadows now;
where they can play and roam free
with an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree
No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take
just a run through the meadow; down to the lake
A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore
then it's off to the forest; to go play some more
These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above
they're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love
We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night
in loving memory of all; these very special knights
~John Quealy~
War Dog Memorial -
Riverside, California USA |
"I
Wait By The Gate"
In a strange land I
was sent, not knowing my fate;
In a pen I was put and I sat by the gate.
I watched and I wondered what do I do now?
Then I looked up and saw you, as you walked up and smiled.
We trained and we worked and I showed you my best;
You rewarded me and petted me and I did the rest.
Through trails and paths and roads we did go;
And I was to smell, for traps that would blow.
Many times I stopped you from ending your life;
From an enemy trap wire that was set to end life.
Never have I thought that we would ever part;
Because of the love that we had in our hearts.
Oh, I was proud to walk by your side;
With all of your friends and being your guide.
Then one day you put me back into my pen;
You smiled, you petted me, said "Goodbye my friend."
You looked back one more time,
and I saw the tears in your eye;
And I knew it was the last, your way of saying goodbye.
My life, it so changed when you went back home;
And I stayed behind to a fate still unknown.
It's been over 30 years since I've seen your face;
But I never forgot you, my friend and my mate.
So please don't worry, I'm waiting by Heaven's gate;
For my best friend, my brother, but mainly my mate.
~Connie Chronister~
|
"The Dogs of SAR"
I remember the day was clear
And the scent was good
I remember the broken glass
Yet doing what I could
.
I remember your command
You said to Go and Seek
And listen for a weary cry
Although it may be weak
.
I remember long days and nights
No murmur could I hear
I remember that awful smell
You told me it was fear
.
I could not find a living soul
As I searched with paw and nose
Yet above this desperate scene
A new spirit rose
.
A year has past, new heroes crowned
My part a passing thought
But I am proud for what I did
No recognition sought
.
And who am I you may now ask
Who came from near and far
I am the one so aptly named
A dog of SAR.
--by Janis Dibert (C) |
Bloodhound
|
A
WGSD,"Thor", leaps to work.
Thor is owned by Mr. Ed Gooding. |
Dogs Give
Peace of Mind To Crime Victims
Dong-Phuong Nguyen
STAFF WRITER - San Diego Tribune
17-Sep-2000 Sunday
Service Dogs for
Victims of Assault
Amy Weigel knows what
it's like to live in fear -- afraid to walk down the
short driveway to her car, to mingle in a crowd, to jog around the block.
After she was sexually assaulted by a stranger five years ago, her life
changed.
"It takes a little bit out of everything you do," said Weigel, a
24-year-old liberal studies student at San Diego State University. "School
was really hard. It was hard being around large crowds, going out to eat
... little things people take for granted."
But Weigel got a big part of her life back earlier this year when she was
introduced to a dog named Fedor.
The 2-year-old German shepherd accompanies Weigel everywhere -- on
airplanes, to school, to the grocery store -- so he can watch everyone she
encounters.
And when someone who might be a threat approaches Weigel, Fedor positions
his 103-pound body in front of her so he can confront the stranger with
growls, barks and unmistakable menace.
It's his job.
Fedor is at Weigel's side as part of a new San Diego program that matches
victims of crimes with large dogs trained to protect them and help them
regain a sense of security. The animals are considered service dogs, so
they accompany their handlers everywhere, just like canines that assist the
blind and people with other disabilities.
Service Dogs for Victims of Assault is pioneering the effort in the United
States, and it has sent dogs to three other states that want to offer the
same service.
"I was in pretty bad shape," Weigel said in describing her life before
Fedor (pronounced Fay-door). But now, with the large dog by her side,
things are different.
"Life has changed all for the better," she said. "(Fedor) gives me a sense
of self-confidence that I thought was gone, and safety and peace of mind to
just be in crowds of people and know that I'm going to be OK."
The idea that dogs could assist crime victims was developed by Sherri
Goldstein, a licensed and certified hypnotherapist in North Park whose
patients deal with such issues as agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress
disorder and other problems.
A few years ago, Goldstein had finished going through relaxation techniques
with a rape victim when the woman leaned down to hug one of the three
German shepherds that lounge around Goldstein's office. Goldstein, who has
trained German shepherds and who has done canine rescue work for more than
15 years, considers herself somewhat of an expert on the breed.
Through tears, the patient told Goldstein that the only place she felt safe
was when she was at Goldstein's office, with the dogs.
"A light bulb went on," Goldstein said. "My sense of security is largely
enhanced by traveling with a large pack of dogs, and they're German
shepherds at that. I realized my clients could also enjoy that sense of
security if they were to have a companion animal with them."
So Goldstein started researching the subject and learned that the American
with Disabilities Act covered hidden disabilities, like those her patients
suffered from.
At the end of 1999, after $3,000 in legal fees and hundreds of hours of
research, Service Dogs for Victims of Assault was created. In less than a
year, the group has helped 15 women and two men in the San Diego area and
has sent dogs to Nevada, Oregon and New Hampshire.
The 17 people who have the service dogs were referred to the organization
by law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, psychiatrists and
social workers. The people have been diagnosed as suffering from
psychological effects of crimes such as assault, stalking and rape.
William Stothers, deputy director for the Center for an Accessible Society
in San Diego, said programs that carry out the goals of the ADA are of
great help.
"Where animals are able to be very, very helpful to people and enable
people with impairments to lead fuller and more independent lives, that is
very valuable," he said.
Legally, people with disabilities do not have to identify why they have the
dog. Goldstein instructs her clients to say the dogs provide handicap
assistance.
"By having to detail their reasons just reactivates the trauma," she added.
However, not just anyone is given a service dog.
The organization does not provide dogs in spousal abuse situations or if a
person's psychiatric disorder is too extreme to entrust him or her with a
dog.
A victim's advocate referred Weigel to the program in March, after she
discovered her house had been burglarized.
Weigel, of Chula Vista, came home just as the burglars left. Two
13-year-old boys were later arrested and convicted of the crime. But it
left Weigel, who had gone through therapy because of the sexual assault
years earlier, feeling even more vulnerable.
She was soon introduced to Service Dogs for Victims of Assault and given
Fedor. As part of the boys' punishment, the court ordered them to pay $700
to Weigel to cover the cost of acquiring and training Fedor. Other victims
receive financial assistance through the program's donors.
Fedor has become a constant companion to Weigel in the seven months they
have been together, even accompanying her to classes at SDSU.
During an hourlong lecture on geology recently, Fedor sat at Weigel's feet,
his head on the floor, but eyes alert. He wore a blue vest instructing
people not to pet him and a badge identifying him as a service dog. Weigel
poured him bottled water.
Fedor is constantly aware of his surroundings, although he rolls over for
the occasional belly rub.
"He's still in training," Weigel said as she affectionately ran her fingers
over his belly during a break between classes.
While she sat, Fedor lay at her feet, sometimes with his muzzle flat on the
ground. As students scuttled to class, their feet hit inches from Fedor's
nose. He did not flinch. He is trained to not be alarmed by noise and
bustle around him. But at the sign of a threat, Fedor snaps into action.
Weigel and Fedor are training together so Fedor will respond to voice
commands.
Fedor's protective nature is common among his breed, but more specialized
training is needed in order for him to become a service dog.
The pair train together once a week, with more lessons ahead.
There are seven trainers in San Diego county who teach the dogs for free or
at a discount.
One of the first people to assist the organization by volunteering her time
to train the dogs and create a model for other trainers is Brigitte Shaw,
owner of CBS Dog Training based in Alpine.
Shaw, who has trained dogs for about 18 years, said that depending on the
dog's temperament, it can take four weeks to four months to train a dog for
the program.
"There is no bite work involved," she said. "The only things we basically
want the dog to do is bark but not to bite. You have to turn the dog on and
turn the dog off on command."
Some of the best breeds for the job are the German shepherds, Doberman
pinschers, giant schnauzers, bouviers, Airedales and Rottweilers.
All of the dogs in the program are rescued from shelters. The cost for
medical checkups, treatment and training can run the group about $800 a
dog.
Once trained, a canine goes to a sort of halfway house where it waits to be
assigned to a handler, someone the dog will live with permanently.
When Weigel first got Fedor, her husband left for work one morning and
turned right back because he had forgotten something. Weigel was still in
bed when he walked through the front door and was stopped by Fedor at the
doorway. The dog barked and growled and refused to let him pass until
Weigel called him off. Now that Fedor has been in the family for seven
months, he's protective of Weigel and her entire family.
"He's always my first line of defense," she said.
Weigel's experience with Fedor is common.
One handler e-mailed Goldstein a letter of thanks for her dog and told of
her new companion's protective nature.
They went into a store with "larger than life-sized" statues of goblins and
wizards up on pedestals. The figures were posed in threatening positions,
arms raised and crouched over.
"(The dog) did not like that," the woman wrote. "She kept stepping in front
of me and alerting each time we came near one. That made me feel safe."
The dogs in the program have given their handlers exactly what Goldstein
has hoped for -- greater normalcy and a greater life experience.
And Fedor may be a working dog, but at home he gets spoiled as much as
Weigel's other dog, a "training-challenged" Australian shepherd named
Ginger.
"Fedor is part of the family," Weigel said. "When he comes home, he gets to
be a dog, basically."
When they are no longer needed for their intended purpose, Goldstein said,
"the dog may be able to stay home as a beloved pet and eat bon bons."
For more information about acquiring a dog, or to make a donation, call
Sherri Goldstein at (619) 280-2833 or write to Service Dogs for Victims of
Assault, 2316 32nd St., San Diego 92104.
****************************
Police
Service Dog Links:
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