An abandoned puppy that was deemed ‘too cute to sell’ has become a police sniffer dog.
A six-month-old Cocker Spaniel named Chester was found dumped by the side of a road in a cage with five other puppies earlier this year. It is thought that Chester and his five siblings were abandoned by a breeder as they weren’t deemed cute enough to sell.
Chester (rear middle) was found by the side of the road with five other puppies. Credit: WalesOnline.
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The abandoned puppies were picked up by RSPCA officers after they were found by a passerby in Hersden, Kent back in January. The six puppies consisted of four cocker spaniels and two terrier cross-breeds.
“It’s highly possible that these puppies were abandoned a breeder,” RSPCA inspector Clive Hopwood said.
It is believed that their breeder failed to sell them when they were younger and most valuable, so they were abandoned.
According to Sarah Piggott from RSPCA, it was difficult to rehome Chester due to his high energy levels.
It was difficult to rehome Chester due to his ‘high energy levels’. Credit: WalesOnline.
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“No amount of walking, play, or enrichment seemed to exhaust him,” Piggot said. “After a while, I noticed that he had a real drive for searching and sniffing things out. He kept finding tennis balls that other dogs lost.”
Too Cute To Be A Sniffer Dog?
So they decided to give Chester a go at being a sniffer dog. He was taken in by Surrey Police and started his training to become a sniffer dog with a special foster family.
“Chester’s a natural at being a sniffer dog. He has already caught up to the other dogs who were bred to be sniffer dogs and those that started training before he did,” Ms Piggott said. “I’m really proud of him and what he’s achieved so far.”
“I’m thrilled that he’s found a loving home where he’s well looked after and he can be himself.”
Chester, now a sniffer dog, works alongside his handler Kim Hackett. Credit: WalesOnline.
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Chester officially became a licensed police sniffer dog in October after completing a six-week intensive training course. His graduation ceremony was held at Surrey Police headquarters.
“Chester has been absolutely amazing since he arrived,” Surrey Police’s dog school manager Geoff Wiltshire said.
“He’s gone from strength to strength and has done really well to pass his digital detection course. We set very high standards for our sniffer dogs and he has passed the tests with flying colours. He’s proven that he has the necessary skills and qualities to succeed in his new role.”
