R.I.P. K9 Jethro

[mjs9153]

Yes, it's like animal abuse, like equipping dolphins with bombs.

I totally disagree,I have worked with these amazing dogs and their handlers,and it is beauty to see how well they work together and love each other..shepherds are by nature protective,and they love doing this job,hard to explain but if you saw it in person,you would see how much they love it..and everyone from the janitors to the chief of police love the dogs back,you should see the smile on the dog's faces..would not take that from them..

 

[FlakeNoir]

I totally disagree,I have worked with these amazing dogs and their handlers,and it is beauty to see how well they work together and love each other..shepherds are by nature protective,and they love doing this job,hard to explain but if you saw it in person,you would see how much they love it..and everyone from the janitors to the chief of police love the dogs back,you should see the smile on the dog's faces..would not take that from them..

I agree with all of this right up to where... the animal has no choice in the danger aspect. Dogs can get all of this in other 'jobs' too.
I understand how much an officer relies on their animal partner, but in the end, the dog does not get the choice.

 

[Spideyman]

I agree with all of this right up to where... the animal has no choice in the danger aspect. Dogs can get all of this in other 'jobs' too.
I understand how much an officer relies on their animal partner, but in the end, the dog does not get the choice.

Well said!

 

[FlakeNoir]

Well said!

I feel the same way about horses, especially in war.

 

[mjs9153]

I understand what you say here Flake,but you have to understand the valiant nature of these dogs,they would not have it any other way..their love for their handlers is awesome,and I think they would not choose to be anything but what they are,a wonderful partnership..

 

[FlakeNoir]

I understand what you say here Flake,but you have to understand the valiant nature of these dogs,they would not have it any other way..their love for their handlers is awesome,and I think they would not choose to be anything but what they are,a wonderful partnership..

I think I do understand the nature of these dogs, have had some experience with them and yes, they do live and breath the close relationship and yearn for work. But I do prefer to see them in the role of search and rescue, (not including bomb work!) as their lives are less on the line. They still enjoy the same kind of bond/relationship with their handler and the work involved.

I am just not comfortable with the suffering many of these dogs go through, so often we see them shot or stabbed and then left lying, dying in the road because their partner cannot reach them without being fired upon/attacked.

 

[ghost19]

Last call for K9 Officer Jethro. One tone. Your area is covered. RIP.

 

[mjs9153]

We will just have to agree to disagree Flake..once is too many times,but it is not very common that the dogs die in the line of duty.They are tested for temperament and intelligence,to be able to function in the job,and I truly don't think they would have it any other way..as I say,you have to see them with their handlers..it is rare when a K9 is actually killed by a suspect,but the police community mourn them just like a fallen human..

 

[FlakeNoir]

We will just have to agree to disagree Flake..once is too many times,but it is not very common that the dogs die in the line of duty.They are tested for temperament and intelligence,to be able to function in the job,and I truly don't think they would have it any other way..as I say,you have to see them with their handlers..it is rare when a K9 is actually killed by a suspect,but the police community mourn them just like a fallen human..

We can agree to disagree sure... (and I have seen them working often, we have an officer in the family)

 

[Spideyman]

I understand what you say here Flake,but you have to understand the valiant nature of these dogs,they would not have it any other way..their love for their handlers is awesome,and I think they would not choose to be anything but what they are,a wonderful partnership..

Since I have similar feeling to Flake's I too would like to reply. Yes, these dogs have a valiant nature and will do what is commanded of them- freely- it goes back to unconditional love between companion /dog and handler. My concerns are for the safety of the companion/ dog. They are placed in too many dangerous situations- like Flake stated, many time bleeding to death because they can not be reached, or wounded to such a degree that the quality of their life is taken from them.
Search and rescue, again not bomb sniffing, also takes a toll. Look at how many dogs developed lung issues- yes along with the human rescuers, and continued to work with bloody, raw paw pads. I just wish with all my heart and spirit another way could be found so those companions, dogs do not need to give up their lives.
Man, over the years, found a way to replace horse used in labor of farming- tractors-- mayhap a way will soon be found not to place these beautiful companions in such danger.

 

[Dana Jean]

Since I have similar feeling to Flake's I too would like to reply. Yes, these dogs have a valiant nature and will do what is commanded of them- freely- it goes back to unconditional love between companion /dog and handler. My concerns are for the safety of the companion/ dog. They are placed in too many dangerous situations- like Flake stated, many time bleeding to death because they can not be reached, or wounded to such a degree that the quality of their life is taken from them.
Search and rescue, again not bomb sniffing, also takes a toll. Look at how many dogs developed lung issues- yes along with the human rescuers, and continued to work with bloody, raw paw pads. I just wish with all my heart and spirit another way could be found so those companions, dogs do not need to give up their lives.
Man, over the years, found a way to replace horse used in labor of farming- tractors-- mayhap a way will soon be found not to place these beautiful companions in such danger.

I watched one of those crime shows once where they brought in a hound dog? to track a scent. And apparently they can do this even if a person is taken by car, they can follow that scent. And that's what happened with this dog in this show. Got to the freeway and kept going. And going and going. And finally, the handler made the dog stop many times because of sore feet and just wearing itself out. thirsty, hungry, but kept moving. And probably would've walked himself into the ground. people have the common sense. A dog will do what a dog is good at, but common sense people need to step in.