The Life And Times Of Badger: From Scruffy Puppy Rescue To English Police Dog

• One pup’s excess energy and need for constant stimulation unlock his exceptional talent.
• Badger may have been returned to the shelter, but he proved to be one police force’s asset as a sniffing dog.
• Badger is now a member of the Sussex Police after completing training in money, drugs, and weapons sniffing.  

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When you have a rough start in life, it seems difficult to imagine fate can change, right?  But for one cocker spaniel, nothing is impossible.

Badger, together with his three siblings, were found abandoned in a bucket.  They were party bald from severe mange, suffered eye and ear infections, and malnourished.  According to Jo Douglas of the Millbrook Animal Center, the litter required multiple medicated baths for the mange, eye and ear drops for the infections, and lots of tender loving care to restore them to health.

Back then, the four were still known as: Dustin, El, Lucas and Mike after the kids from Stranger Things.  They were rehomed to loving families but Badger, who was too energetic and needed constant stimulation, was returned to the animal center. 

Center staff kept Badger busy by playing hide-and-seek and scent games where he proved to be an exceptional sniffer!

Douglas said, “He absolutely loved it and was really good at following his nose. So, we contacted the police to see if they’d be interested in taking him on as a new recruit.”

Fortunately, the Sussex and Surrey Police Dog Unit found a way to harness his energy and incredible sniffing skills to work. 

At almost 2 years old, Badger is now an official member of the local police unit doing what he does best— sniffing out weapons, money, and drugs.

The Sussex Police celebrated the four-legged officer’s admission to the force upon his training completion.

PC Steph Barrett, Badger’s handler said that the canine loves his job and is a joy to work with. “When he hears the radio go off, he squeals with excitement, and I don’t even have to ask him to get in the van.”

Last November, Badger was instrumental in finding a cache of drugs and money on a church’s grounds.

Barret adds, “He’s hard not to love. He’s still got that mischievous side to him but he’s obsessed with work and he makes me smile all day.”

Good job, Officer Badger!

Source: Daily Paws