Are you involved in the vestadog program?

 

My partner had a vest issued to him by Mass. vestadog. I have spoken to the lady who runs the program. She is very passionate about getting vests out to the dogs. Very good organization!

 

They have several posters up around the Prudential Mall. I was wondering if it was worthwhile. Does your partner wear his?

 

The dogs wear them when they are put in situations where there is a higher likelyhood of them getting shot. They don't wear them the whole shift because of heat and movement concerns.

I would always suit my guy up if we were tracking an armed suspect or searching buildings. They are made very well and most dogs don't seem to mind wearing them.

I would say it is a very worthwhile cause because most K9 units (including my department's) are run almost entirely on donations. Even the cost of a new dog (almost $7k now) are covered by donated funds. Without people giving to the cause, a very valuable resource wouldn't be on the street.

 

They are amazing dogs I won a display contest for sponsored by imas for the monson ma police, and was very impressed by how well trained they are. And he found a lost child about a week later. How long have u had ur partner?

 

Almost five years now. He retired this June, though. He was on the job from 2002 up until then. I took over as his handler in 2006 when his first handler got sick. It was the best four years on the job I had. Not a shift goes by where I don't miss having him with me.

The dog only had to call out sick once due to a bad case of Montazuma's Revenge in the whole time he was there.

 

Where is he now, Jeff?

 

He's here with me at home. Enjoying retirement!

 

Is he a house dog now?

 

prob the best trained house/guard dog ever lol..... i would feel bad for the dumba$$ who ever tried to brake in your house.