Shelter Dog Joins the Police Department

Dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Joins the Police Department
Shelter Dog to become a Police Canine this Week

A young female Belgian Malinois, turned into the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) by her owner in September 2013, will graduate from the Alexandria Police Department’s Basic K-9 School this Wednesday, August 13.

The dog, known as Zara, had been surrendered to the shelter because her owner could no longer care for her. It quickly became clear that she was a very high-energy dog who desperately wanted to work. She would not have been comfortable as a pet based mainly out of a home because her energy level and drive were so intense. The AWLA contacted the Alexandria Police Department to determine if Zara might be a candidate for the its K-9 Unit. Zara passed the department’s test with flying colors and was accepted into the Basic K-9 School. She has now been in school for almost a year and will graduate on Wednesday. After graduation, Zara will serve in the Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

Alexandria Police Chief Earl L. Cook stated “We could not be more grateful to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for bringing Zara to us. She is an excellent addition to our K-9 Unit and family here at the Police Department.”

“This is a win/win situation because Zara gets to work and do what she loves and the city gets to help a dog who will then help the entire community of Alexandria,” said Megan Webb, Executive Director of AWLA.

Reporters are invited to meet and photograph Zara at her graduation at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, at Alexandria Police Department Headquarter, 3600 Wheeler Avenue. Representatives from the Police Department and AWLA will be available for interviews.