Unleashing Heroism: Meet the Police Dog Who’s Saving Lives, One Trusting Bond at a Time
Meet Goal, the Hero Police Dog
The Unbreakable Bond Between a Police Dog and His Handler
September 1st, at the riverbed in Kitsunezenji, Ichinoseki City, a police dog handler, Makoto Kikuchi, and his partner, a 10-year-old male shepherd named Goal, a commissioned police dog, were training in “footprint tracking,” a crucial skill for police dogs.
The Making of a Hero
Kikuchi and Goal have been a team for three years, and their steady training has led to remarkable achievements. In June, they successfully located an 80-year-old man who had gone missing in Ichinoseki City. Using the smell of the man’s pillow as a clue, they found him safely about 600 meters away from his home in just 20 minutes.
A Life-Saving Feat
Ichinoseki Police Station Chief Abe Yoshinobu praised their efforts, saying, “(The missing person) was found in deep brush, a place that would be difficult for a human to find, so we are grateful and thankful that Goal-kun found him and helped save his life early.”
A Trust Built on Experience
Goal-kun has been a commissioned police dog for eight years and has worked in various situations. His former handler, Akira Shibuya, believes that the trust between people and dogs is essential. “(The credit for saving the life) is due to the way Kikuchi was trained and because Goal trusted Kikuchi. I think it was possible because the dog trusted its handler.”
Training for Excellence
Kikuchi and Goal-kun practice almost every day to maintain their skills. They participate in training exercises like “odor sorting,” where they sniff out different scents. Goal-kun’s abilities have earned him top prizes at competitions within and outside the prefecture.
A Bond That Goes Beyond Duty
Kikuchi and Goal-kun are bound by a deep bond of trust, and they continue to undergo training to demonstrate their abilities in the field. With Goal-kun’s active duty expected to end in about two years, Kikuchi plans to continue trying to get him certified as a commissioned police dog next year.
A Partnership That Saves Lives
Kikuchi and Goal-kun’s story is a testament to the unbreakable bond between a police dog and his handler. Their partnership has saved lives, and their dedication to their work is an inspiration to all.
The Future of Police Dogs
Commissioned police dogs like Goal-kun play a vital role in criminal investigations and searches for missing people. Their skills and abilities are essential in keeping communities safe. As Kikuchi and Goal-kun continue to work together, they serve as a reminder of the importance of trust, training, and teamwork in the field of law enforcement.
The Unwavering Commitment of a Police Dog Handler
Kikuchi’s commitment to Goal-kun is unwavering. “I don’t think there’s much time left until we reach our goal, but I hope we can spend the time we have left together having as much fun as possible.” Their partnership is a shining example of the dedication and loyalty that exists between a police dog and his handler.