UNSUNG HEROES
KARL
“JAVA DID HER VERY BEST TO BRING MUCH NEEDED SMILES TO THE AMAZING PEOPLE OF MOORE. NOT ONLY DID SHE COMFORT THE VICTIMS, SHE ALSO CUDDLED WITH THE RED CROSS STAFF AND GAVE LOCAL POLICE HER SIGNATURE HUG.”
“Karl” is the Courthouse Dog. When children become victims of abuse and are called to testify, it can be a very traumatic experi- ence. The Orange County K-9 Circuit Program matches dogs with these children when they are on the witness stand. Karl provides companionship and courage in the courthouse. Karl was born deaf, so loud noises, and possible loud and angry voices, don’t bother him. Children like having Karl with them, underneath the stand. Most never see the leash wound around a brave child’s hand. As the child walks into the courtroom, he is not alone—Karl is right by his side. The child doesn’t fear, because Karl, with his blue hat and gentle demeanor, will protect him from the person who hurt them. SABIYE (Sheriff’s Deputy K9 Sabine von Bachbett, DPO, IPO38, Police VSK, FH, IPO-ZTP)
JAVA (Ay Da Derjava, CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, CD, BREVET, French Ring 1, AXJ, OAJP, CAT, DRSD)
Disaster Relief Dogs, also called Crisis Response Dogs, work during active crises and in emergency situations. They offer a calm- ing presence and a welcoming distraction to those who have been impacted by disasters. On May 20, 2013, a destructive EF5 Tor- nado struck Moore, Oklahoma, with peak winds up to 210 MPH, leaving a “giant black wall of destruction.” Seventy-five children and staff were present at Plaza Towers Elementary School when the tornado struck, and seven children were killed there. “Java” and handler Jodie Alwin traveled from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and spent a week at the Police Chief ’s home, touring the damaged neighborhoods, community shelters, schools, command centers, and churches. They attended the funerals of the school children who lost their lives in the disaster. Java did her very best to bring much needed smiles to the amazing people of Moore. Not only did she comfort the victims, she also cuddled with the Red Cross staff and gave local police her signature hug. Above are just a few of the Boxer Heroes that have impacted the lives of many people… they walk among us. The Official American Boxer Club Standard reads, in part, under Character and Temperament: “Deliberate and wary with strangers, he will exhibit curiosity, but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened. However, he responds promptly to friendly overtures honestly rendered. His intelligence, loyal affection, and tractability to discipline make him a highly desireable companion.”
During his law enforcement career, K9 “Sabiye” had over 400 deployments for the Sheriff’s Department. He was certified as a Narcotic Detector Dog regionally and nationally. He was respon- sible for seizures of illegal drugs with a total street value of over $175,000 and drug-related cash seizures of over $40,000. He has performed 55 suspect tracks and 32 suspect building searches, as well as 20 SWAT applications. He has been credited with 22 sus- pect apprehensions. Part of K9 Sabiye’s duties include community education and public outreach, and he has been active as a working competition dog. An anonymous donor and the Bangor Middle School donated the funds to purchase Sabiye as a young dog, and nine years later K9 Sabiye received an award from the Wisconsin Professional Police Association for heroism in his role apprehend- ing a dangerous suspect that Sabiye had located—even though Sabiye had been struck and seriously injured by the suspect. “HE [SABIYE] HAS PERFORMED 55 SUSPECT TRACKS AND 32 SUSPECT BUILDING SEARCHES, AS WELL AS 20 SWAT APPLICATIONS. HE HAS BEEN CREDITED WITH 22 SUSPECT APPREHENSIONS.”
Photos and full bios are available from IN THE KNOW, the American Boxer Club newsletter.
218 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2021
Powered by FlippingBook