Published: September 04, 2008 08:52 pm         

Police introduce new dual purpose narcotics dog

Officer Brent Long recently completed K-9 training school

TERRE HAUTE — The Terre Haute Police Department welcomed a new addition to the family Thursday afternoon, weighing in about 65 pounds at 11⁄2 years old.

But that’s no toddler on the other end of the leash.

“This is truly Terre Haute’s dog,” Chief John Plasse remarked Thursday at a media conference in the department’s training room, where Shadow stood at attention.

Shadow, a Belgian Malinois, was recently bought from Vohne Liche Kennels in Peru, and will work with Officer Brent Long, who recently returned from a five-week K-9 training school, Plasse said.

“Shadow was bought primarily through donations from the public,” Plasse said, noting a number of area school children as well as anonymous individuals contributed to the expense. “He’s out on the streets now.”

Shadow will be one of the department’s four K-9 units, and Plasse noted that one of the group’s older dogs, Chavez, suffered a stroke earlier Thursday morning.

“It’s more than partner,” he said of the emotional bond between human and dog.

Long said Shadow already has begun living with him at home, playing well with his own child and other two pets.

Officer Todd Haller noted the bonding process begins with the first bath, and by the time the dogs are ready to work, they understand the concept of clocking in once they get into the squad car.

“Shadow is a dual purpose narcotics dog,” Haller explained, noting that he can track people as well find drugs.

This year, the THPD placed 12th in the annual K-9 Olympics hosted at Vohne Liche Kennels, where local dogs and their officers competed against teams from around the world in a variety of exercises.

“It really shows the caliber of our program,” Plasse said of the placement.

Haller said dogs such as Shadow will do a minimum of 360 searches per year and some can work until they’re 10 years old.

Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.