You Can Meet All the Cedar Rapids Police Dogs This Weekend
If you've ever wanted to meet the brave dogs that serve the city of Cedar Rapids, here's your chance! The Cedar Rapids Police Canine Unit will be having their very own "meet and greet" this weekend.
According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department Facebook page, Canine Officers will be on-hand at both Cedar Rapids Theisen's locations this Saturday, February 4th. From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., citizens can "talk with officers, meet the dogs and purchase a customized plush toy to help support the Canine Officers."
An August article from Our CR reports that there are currently seven Canine Officers in the Cedar Rapids Police Department: Elo, Tibi, Bart, Korsa, Lara, Mac, and Ryder. The dogs are incredibly valuable to the force because of their powerful noses that can aid in searches for humans, explosives, and drugs. According to the article:
"The training process for both partners can be long and arduous - and it never stops. It can take 18 months of intensive practice for a dog to be ready to meet their full-time partner. This is followed by another six months or more of familiarization, socialization, and special training specific to local needs."
Canine Officer Ryder is the latest pup on the force to get his own official tailored police vest for protection. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ryder was gifted a bullet and stab-protective vest from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Doesn't he look so handsome?!
And here's a recent photo of Canine Officer Korsa, just because she's adorable:
The Cedar Rapids Theisen's stores are located at 3111 16th Avenue SW and 1800 51st Street NE. If you go out to meet the pups, please be sure to post your photos!