Monday, December 7, 2009

Teeny Crime Fighter! Chihuahua/ terrier X is a Stand-Out in Law Enforcement

Just goes to show you. No matter what the size of the body, the ♥ of the dog is all the same - HUGE! This story should give little dog people some ammunition when others tell them that their dog is nothing but a dust bunny that barks. ~Mimi

 

Louise Murray/Rex USA Every morning, Midge stretches her 11-in. frame, puts on her special work shirt emblazoned with a star designating her as an official police dog, and prepares for a full day working as a narcotics-detecting K-9.

The Guinness World Record holder for "smallest dog used for law enforcement," the 8-lb. Chihuahua/rat terrier mix works closely with her partner, Sheriff Dan McClelland at the Geauga County Police Department in Ohio.

When he first got an e-mail from Guinness inquiring about Midge, McClelland tells PEOPLEPets.com, "Frankly I stepped out into the hallway to see if anyone was giggling." Fortunately the message turned out to be authentic, and the pooch has held the record for nearly three years.

"It's not real macho to be seen with a dog that looks like it belongs to Paris Hilton," laughs McClelland, who began looking for a smaller police dog after noting the incidence of damage to cars that were searched by unwieldy German shepherds. (Mimi's note: I beg your pardon. Unwieldly German Shepherd Dogs? Uhm...)

Since earning her certification in narcotics three years ago, the 4-year-old Midge has bragging rights to two arrests. "A dog doesn't get credit for an arrest unless they make a detection that we didn't know was there," explains McClelland. "In one case, Midgey searched a burglar's getaway car and alerted us to the seat cushions." Once she finds the drugs, her reward is simple — her partner throws a ball for her and gives her a big hug!

And how does she get along with her more sizeable canine coworkers? "She has her favorites — not unlike you when you go to work!" says McClelland of the four other German shepherds on the force. (Mimi's note: the correct term is German Shepherd Dogs. They are the only AKC breed that insists on the word "dog" to be included in the name.) Sometimes they'll play chase, and Midgey is extremely fast. She can zig and zag."

And when she's on the field, with her nose to the ground, it's not treats or toys that are most likely to affect her focus. "Bring a 4-year-old and she just lights up," admits McClelland. "Children are the hardest distraction for her to work through."

When she's not giving lessons to students on substance abuse and ridding the world of bad guys, Midge plays with McClelland at home, sometimes nipping on to his pant legs. And at night, she goes to sleep buried beneath blankets year-round. Sounds like a fitting end to a hard day's work!


National Canine Cancer Foundation

18 comments:

JacksDad said...

Every dog has its place! :)

Valerie Cummings said...

A very heart warming story!!! Hugs Joey and Kealani

Sam said...

That's awesome! Though I like your GSD notes that you added in... unwieldy!??

Salinger The Pug said...

Awww! Midge is awesome! I wonder if she chases down any hardcore perps???

I don't think there are any job openings like this for Pugs...since we pretty much sleep 22 hours a day and then eat through the other 2.

Thanks for sharing this cool story!

Love,
S-Dog

An English Shepherd said...

What a great story

Wizz :-)

Two French Bulldogs said...

Hysterical...BOLO...what a teeny cop. I bet he thinks he is a german shepard...BOL
Benny & Lily

Dexter said...

What a perfect job for her. I like her commentary.

Slobbers,
Mango

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Tough things khome in small pakhkages!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie

Golden Samantha said...

Love the story (and love your editing too!) And not to worry about email - and huge thanks (again) for cleaning things up on my posts, Mimi! And I truly think this story is very cool - thanks for sharing!
Hugs xo
Sammie

♥I am Holly♥ said...

What a wonderful story!! I love it!!

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

What a great story!
~lickies, Ludo

Golden Daily Scoop said...

What a pawsome story, thx for sharing!!!

lotsa licks,
Miley

Emma Rose said...

What a great story! That little guy is adorable, smart, and employed! Wow! (Grab him, girls!)

We have been having some problems getting your blog page to load the past week or so, so we have not been commenting. But it looks like it is working good now, Whew! We were getting really frustrated :)

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Canine Crusader said...

Mama has transported puppy mill dogs. Bonnie was born in a rabbit cage herself. Mom says if you are'nt a reputable breeder, spay and nueter your animals. We hope that most pet stores selling animals are shut down, several have over the last few years. Good tips on pet safety, gotta watch those cats too! At least we have to at our house! The Gand @ Dog Blog for Five Dogs

Ms. ~K said...

Midge Rocks!
Just goes to show, you don't have to be 6 feet tall to be a giant in someone's eyes.
As always, thanks for sharing!
Kit

The Animal Doctor said...

What an inspiring story!


~ SCarlet

Sierra Rose said...

Oh wow!!! What a smart little cutie pie!

And, just wanted to say thanks for helping with my post spacing issues! Blessings!

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Tweedles -- that's me said...

What a big heart and energetic little body. She is a little busy body, and I love the part where she sleeps under the blankeys!
love
tweedles