Never let the internet name things

Posted on 27 Feb 2024 @ 18:17 by Sheriff R. Thomas Durland Jr. & Deputy Sheriff III Angelica Passolini & K9 Cheech

629 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: From Our Past
Location: WCSO offices
Timeline: March 2023

Having returned from the NCSP dog handler training and certification, She was still learning Cheech's personality and his unusual name had brought a few laughs from her colleagues, with one instructor calling it an "interesting name for a drug dog."

Today she had to report in to verify her certification paperwork and pick up some extra gear for her new partner.

The room she walked in to with Cheech was the K-9 supply and operations, she would file the paperwork which would get her the stipend and then harness, vest for the dog, and other equipment. and Cheech would get his little badge which hung on his harness.

The process was painless, though Cheech decided that the tape measure might have been a new toy which Angelica was able to remind him it wasn't. So now burdened with more gear, a Kevlar vest for her dog,

Walking along she let Cheech sniff a bit so he could get used to scents.

Just then the Sheriff walked into the room carrying an MDT in his hand. He had been having trouble with it and figured he'd bring it to operations himself instead of troubling someone from their day to do it on his behalf.

"Good morning Deputy Passolini," he said, pleasantly enough, then looked down and saw the dog sniffing at it's new vest. "Cheech," he added, with a less than amused tone.

The Belgan Malnois dog cocked his head in confusion, he heard his name but it wasn't how the bipeds usually talked about him so he looked at the tall biped.

"Good morning sir, I know it is a strange name for a drug dog. My Sister commented the same thing this morning."

"Well, last time we let the internet name things, I guess," he said, with a now amused shrug. "I guess it could have been worse and we've made the department known around the country."

"And a lot of positive PR." She responded, "I mean who would blame us for not wanting a drug dog named after Cheech and Chong." The dog's ears perked up at his name, "But keeping it was the smart PR move. Though my sister told me that NYSP now has a policy to not name Department equiment or K9 Officers through internet activity."

"I started my career as. New York State Trooper," the Sheriff said, his interest peaking. "Their K9s are actually named for Toopers who have lost their lives."

There was a brief two-second pause as she digested, then sighed, "My sister is also a joker, and she got me." Inwardly her nephews were going to get very loud toys that required batteries for their birthdays, and possibly Christmas.

Cheech, however, was now starting to sniff the area and even the new person. Did they have the smell that gets me my toy, or even better treats?

"Would he be okay if I pet him?" the Sheriff asked, knowing that on-duty K9s were not supposed to be touched. He always felt it was good to speak to a dog's owner or handler before touching or approaching it.

"Of course." She would normally be stricter, especially if Cheech were in his work harness instead of his collar, which was his "dog" attire." Cheech took a seat and looked up, his tail thumping the ground in a happy rhythm.

The Sheriff leaned over and petted the dog first on the back of the neck and then the head.

"Good boy," he observed as he continued to pet. "When is your first shift all official?"

"Thursday with my next scheduled shift." She said.

"Well happy hunting to you both," the Sheriff said with a final pet of the K9 before straightening and offering the deputy a handshake before going about business.

 

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