With much ado about the Kristen Smart case being rekindled by specially trained human remain detection dogs ahead of students’ return to campus, the Cal Poly Police Department is welcoming some more traditional canines into their ranks.
German shepherds Xello and Brisan have joined the force, announced Brenda Trobaugh, Cal Poly’s deputy chief of police, earlier in the month.
“We are very fortunate to have these two great dogs on campus,” she said in a press statement. “They will play an integral part in campus safety and student success.”
Further, Xello and Brisan have, “undergone certification training to ensure their ability to perform key functions for the campus. In addition, the dogs will participate in Cal Poly’s animal science and veterinary programs, playing an important role in demonstrations and other ‘Learn by Doing’ activities.”
Specialty trained pups – not to mention handler courses for their human partners – don’t come cheap.
Fundraising efforts will continue to help support the K-9 program, campus officials announced.
They’re even selling T-shirts and asking for donors to support the cause.
A “Dine with Coastal K-9” event will be held Oct. 22 at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach, with proceeds to be split between the Cal Poly, Pismo and Atascadero K-9 programs. Fundraising through a 5K/10K “fun run” that University Police hosted in January at Laguna Lake Park also supported the unit. – Camas Frank
