A career in law enforcement runs in Eddie's family.
The two-year-old German Shepherd is the Palo Alto Police Department's newest K9, and his dad was also a police dog in the Czech Republic, according to his handler Officer Brad Young.
Eddie was officially introduced to the Palo Alto community on Saturday, July 20 during a demonstration of his obedience skills. Young also explained that in particular Eddie specializes in finding people because of his enhanced sense of smell.
"Dogs have a far superior ability to smell than we have," he said.
The PAPD has two canines in their patrol division, which alternate shifts. Eddie and Young work the night shift from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. After work, Eddie returns home with Young.
According to Young, in addition to their police work, he and Eddie undergo monthly training to prepare to deal with anything they could encounter together on the street.
When out on patrol, Eddie travels with Young in a vehicle adapted for him. The car has no backseat so that Eddie can lay down. Young keeps bottles of water with him to keep Eddie hydrated.
Story in Development.
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