When talking about police dogs, everyone immediately thinks of breeds like German Shepherds, Malinois, and Rottweilers. We rarely think about pit bulls. For what? Because pit bulls have never been used as service dogs. There is one Pitti who changes the fate of the entire breed. His name is Leonard.
From the death list to a useful lifespan
the policeman leads the dog on a leash
Pitbulls are often described as dangerous dogs. Their propensity for aggression is more accentuated than that of other breeds. However, not all pitti are dangerous. Not all specimens of this breed show teeth. Some people really show a big heart. One Petey’s with a heart as big as Ohio State’s is Leonard. The adorable pit bull fawn was rescued by the Union County Humane Society. Every dog that ends up there has a chance to do it again.
However, after a thorough evaluation, the UCHS team determined that Leonard was not the best option for the family due to his aggressive tendencies. The end was near. Leonard was placed on his death list. However, not everyone abandoned this pitti. Jim Alloway, the shelter’s director, believed everyone had a purpose and was entitled to a second chance. Through his previous law enforcement experience, Alloway was contacted by the K-9 training experts at Storm Dog K9 Training.
He believed there was a place for Leonard in the police force!
A Pleasant Surprise
The bloodthirsty Pitbull didn’t seem so bloodthirsty anymore.
Leonard was a pleasant surprise for everyone. That shy shelter dog finally showed his personality. He was sweet, playful, and boasting with energy that needed to be channeled. Fortunately, Leonard’s work ethics was recognized, and the dog soon started search training to become a narcotics dog. He was trained to use his sharp sense of smell to detect prohibited substances. Needless to say, Leonard proved to be an amazing police dog!
Partnering Up
Leonard couldn’t work alone, no matter how great his work skills were. He needed a partner officer. Enter the scene, Terry Mitchell – the Chief of Police in Clay Township, Ohio.
Leonard and Mitchell immediately clicked. It took only a couple of minutes for chief Mitchell to realize Leonard was the dog for his unit.
The following couple of weeks brought additional training for Leonard and chief Mitchell. Soon enough, the duo was ready to work together in the field.
Leonard was trained to detect hidden drugs. But, he doesn’t whine or scratch the area to let them know he has picked up a scent. Leonard just sits there if there’s drugs hidden… as simple as that!
When off duty, officer Mitchel says Leonard is just as sweet and cuddly as any other dog. He’s nowhere near aggressive.
Leonard just needed a purpose and someone to guide him on which path to take.
Some dogs simply aren’t meant for peaceful family life. Some are born workers, just like Leonard.
