A stray dog has found a new lease of life serving and protecting the public in Nottinghamshire.
Police Dog Russo was found wandering the streets near Heathrow Airport late last year before being rehomed by a rescue centre in Essex.
The lively Belgian Malinois was later introduced to Nottinghamshire Police as part of a rehoming project and his potential was immediately spotted by expert trainers and handlers.
After an initial period of assessment to examine his suitability for the role, Russo was paired with experienced handler PC Lee Huffer and began eight weeks of intensive training.
On Wednesday, the pair completed a thorough examination in front of an independent assessor and began their working life together the following day.
PC Huffer said: “Russo certainly had a tough start to his life – most of which we know very little about. What we do know, however, is that he has adapted to this new role extremely well and that he will make an exceptional police dog.
“The past eight weeks have been hard work, but they’ve also been really enjoyable. Russo has been a joy to work with and it has been really rewarding to get to know a different dog.
“Like people, they are all different and respond in different ways and need slightly different approaches to get the best out of them.
“So far it’s been a real privilege to work with him and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together as a team.”
Dog Section Sergeant Nicholas Dachtler explained why Russo – believed to be around 14 months old – may have ended up as a stray in the first place.
He said: “Belgian Malinois make excellent working dogs but very demanding pets.
“In recent years they have been featured in several films and have become more popular with the general public as a result.
“Sadly, some of these owners will not have the necessary skills or experience to train and own such a demanding dog – leading them to be given up to rescue centres or abandoned.
“I am just really pleased that Russo’s natural abilities as a working animal will now be put to use in protecting the public.”
PC Huffer’s previous dog Chase has now been retired and he has found a loving new home with one of the force’s kennel assistants.
Chief Inspector Amy English presented PC Huffer with his licensing certificate.
She said: “Police dog handlers and their animals go through rigorous initial and ongoing training programmes, and I am continually impressed by the skill and professionalism our officers demonstrate throughout this process.
“What impresses me most, however, is the sheer dedication our handlers show to their dogs and the impact their chosen role has on their personal and family lives.
“Because police dogs are not just pieces of police equipment like a Taser or a car; they live with and are cared for every day by their handlers and are a major part of their personal lives as well as their work lives.
“The commitment to being a dog handler really is 24/7 and I would like to thank to PC Huffer and every other dog handler within Nottinghamshire Police for everything they do to protect and serve the public.”
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