Being a police dog is certainly an honorable job, but it takes a lot of training and dedication. To become a member of the Paw Patrol, your dog must go through the Police Dog Academy and be trained to take on tough criminals. In 2016, Havel, a six-week-old German Shepherd puppy, was one of 40 police dogs trained in the Australian state of Queensland.
Coming from a “long line of pure working police dogs” [1], Havel had a bright future. As a proud member of the Queensland Dog Squad, everyone was confident he would catch the culprit in no time.
But all was not as expected. It seems that Havel prefers to stroke than to patrol.
Unfortunately, Havel dropped out of the police academy, but got a better job that allowed him to become self-sufficient and live life to the fullest.
From Abandoned Police Dog to Governor’s Dog
frustrated police dog
In April 2016, Gavel arrived at Queensland Government House as a reserve police dog. He was due to be there for 12 months to join Queensland Police’s elite dog team. Gavel received basic obedience training and was given an official uniform bearing the insignia of the Queensland Police Service.
But a problem arose. Gavel has been shown to enjoy petting more than patrolling and loves treats.
After a year at the Government House, the report card from police handlers came back stating that Gavel “did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line”.
But, Gavel had become a much-loved part of the Government House family, and luckily, the Governor decided to adopt the puppy and assign him with a brand-new job.
In February 2017, an official position was created and Gavel was appointed as Queensland’s first Vice-Regal Dog.
He even “pawed” his own contract! How adorable!
Gavel’s duties were to support the Governor, the Honorable Paul de Jersey, fulfill important constitutional, ceremonial, and community duties: greeting guests, leading tours, attending formal ceremonies, and above all, being unutterably cute.
During the special occasions, Gavel proudly sports his custom-made ceremonial coat featuring the state emblems of Queensland
As a matter of fact, as Queensland’s official Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel outgrew four ceremonial coats. The earlier versions also featured the insignia of the Queensland Police Service.
This cute boy has not only won the hearts of everyone at the Government House, but has proven that there are many pathways to success.
It’s a lesson for us all because sometimes you indeed must fail in order to succeed.
Gavel continued to live his best life at one of Brisbane’s most prestigious addresses, proudly wearing the symbols of the State he serves.
Gavel was not just the State’s first Vice-Regal dog, but also the main star of the illustrated children’s book, which follows his journey of finding his place in the world and his ultimate purpose.
In late October 2021, the official Instagram account of the Governor of Queensland announced that after 40 (canine) years of service, Gavel, the German Shepherd, had officially hung up his coat and retired from service.
During his service, he enjoyed lots of love not only from His Excellency and Mrs. de Jersey, but also from his handler and companion who will continue to look after him in retirement.
Gavel won the hearts of everyone he met, and although he didn’t become a police dog as was expected, he has fulfilled vice-regal duties with aplomb.
He has done an admirable job welcoming visitors and putting them at ease. If you’re wondering if Gavel is still living at the Government House estate in Brisbane, I’m happy to say that yes, he is.
He enjoys a well-deserved rest filled with lots of love, treats, and pats that he oh so loves.
At the end, enjoy some of Gavel’s favorite moments while working at the Government House:
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References:
[1] myPolice. (2016). The Governor’s new Gavel. Dog Squad. https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/dogsquad/2016/04/15/governors-new-gavel/
