Police work is not for everyone. It is tough: long hours, physically draining and the threat of physical violence.
It certainly was not for Vegas, a retiring German Shepherd from Northumbria. According to police she did not like loud noises, was nervous of children and averse to biting. Apparently biting is crucial for a police dog. For a while the force considered giving her some admin work, answering phones, filing reports but her lack of opposable thumbs made this role a challenge, and the phone ring made her jump.
Fortunately there was an overwhelming response to an appeal to find Vegas a new home, away from the stresses of police work. The appeal to rehome Vegas had over 300 responses in two days.
Sergeant John Sims told the BBC: “She didn’t particularly take to biting and, unfortunately, although it’s not the be all and end all of a police dog, it’s one of the things that they do have to do. She wasn’t showing any sort of inclination that she was wanting to bite, or biting particularly well. She’s not a scaredy cat. She’s actually a lovely, lovely laid-back dog. For the right people in the right environment, she would make a lovely pet.”
Our man on the ground claimed to have an exclusive interview with Vegas. Apparently she told him:
“People just don’t realise the pressures on you as a German Shepherd… we can’t all be Police Dogs! It’s just a stereotyping, I really wanted to be a Physiotherapist when I was a puppy, but my dad wouldn’t have any of it…”
We wonder if he is using his travel allowance for Curly Wurlies and crisps…
You can read the full BBC report here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-14255661
Picture Copyright: CHE 09
