Melissa Larsen is a trainer for Boeing’s K9 Detection Unit. She has a keen eye for scouting shelter dogs that can sniff out explosives. Larsen regularly visits the PAWS shelter in Lynwood to look for dogs who are qualified to be part of their team.
The search for the next police dog
Seattle Police Department has a partnership with Boeing’s training program. Larsen is one of the trainers in charge of equipping the dogs with the skill to detect gun powder, explosive devices, and hidden weaponry. Training these dogs is not easy, what with their different temperaments and all, but Larsen is persistent.
Aside from her patience, Larsen also knows how to hone dogs who may not have the skills but are determined. What’s more important for her is the dog’s enthusiasm, energy, and capacity to adjust to their handler.
Larsen uses a tennis ball as a tool to find the next police dog. She bounces the ball while walking down the shelter to see how the dogs will react to it. Dogs are allowed to sniff the ball. They are then taken outside to find the ball while Larsen observes.
Homeless dog no more
Boomer is one of the dogs that caught Larsen’s attention. He used to bounce from one shelter to another, unable to find the perfect home. His boundless enthusiasm and energy made him the ideal addition to the explosive detection program organized by Boeing’s K9 unit.
After undergoing training, Boomer developed the skill to detect and decode more than 20,000 types of explosive compounds. He enjoys being on duty, and he loves receiving rewards for doing a great job. Boomer is happiest when he’s at work. He loves his job, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the world a safer place for animals and humans.
Credits to USA Today