From Mycale Downey,
Creston Animal Rescue Effort
So the city of Creston is wanting to get a dog for police work. I think that is a good idea, but an even greater idea would be if city officials adopted their next canine officer from an animal shelter. Why not? Many shelter dogs are intelligent with a desire to please humans making them easily trained. Many are social and calm making them easy to handle. All of them are waiting for a home and a purpose.
I read an article back in January about how two dogs adopted from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa had helped the city of Des Moines in a $10,000 drug bust. Not bad for a couple of shelter dogs. I’m sure the Des Moines Police Department would be willing to share details about their decision to adopt instead of purchase, what they looked for when choosing a dog and the benefits of such a decision. I know Tom Colvin, executive director of the ARL of Iowa, would give expert advice as to what to look for in a dog and share his experience working with the Des Moines Police Department.
As most of the readers in this community know, I am the “leader” of an all volunteer group that helps find homes for the stray pets at Creston City Pound. I have always looked for the potential in each of this city’s unwanted animals. I look into their souls and see what they could become if given a chance.
On Jan. 28, I emailed our police chief with my idea about a dog named Flynn. I asked him if he had ever considered getting another canine cop and if so, would he take a look at Flynn. Imagine my surprise when I read the front page story in the CNA a week later ... “Paws for Attention”!
Is it so hard to imagine that the city of Creston’s next police dog could be found at the city pound? I realize there is a process and lots of arguments for and against, but I think this great dog deserves consideration. I think adoption over purchasing from a breeder deserves consideration. I know the decision to adopt would save the city money and save the life of a homeless dog.
To see pictures and information about Flynn, and other pets for adoption, visit www.crestonanimalrescue.petfinder.com or look for Creston Animal Rescue Effort on Facebook.