Search is on for new drug dog
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The canine, Joker, has been with the department for about two years after funds were donated by Carrier to purchase him. Since that time, Joker has been credited with helping make scores of arrests using his nose during inspections at traffic stops.
According to Sheriff Jackie Matheny, the early end to Joker’s career came after K-9 officer Stuart Caldwell noticed the dog limping. Subsequent examinations revealed Joker suffers from a degenerative form of arthritis.
“We had two choices,” Matheny said. “We could keep working him until he couldn’t go no more and then have him put down or we could retire him and let him live out the rest of his days in peace. We chose the latter.”
Matheny said he hates to see the early retirement, given the fact Joker is just over 3 years old.
“He has been a very good dog, and his service has been incredible. He’s helped us make numerous drug busts,” Matheny said. “I think he’s one of the best drug dogs in the country.”
Matheny said plans are already in the works to replace Joker, given the boost a canine unit gives to the county’s drug enforcement division. However, the sheriff pointed out the specially trained canines are very expensive.
“We’re probably looking at somewhere between $5,000 and $7,000,” Matheny said.
Matheny said the department will be trying out a prospective successor to Joker in the coming weeks. Fund-raising to pay for the dog has already begun.