Reward up for missing SWAT dog

A reward awaits any person who finds and returns a bomb-sniffing Belgian Malinois to the Caloocan City Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), which lost the dog a few days ago.

Jojo Rodis, a 10-year veteran in K-9 handling and owner-handler of "PO2 Sarah," a two year-old female Belgian and a mainstay of the SWAT bomb squad, said yesterday the dog was lost between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. last Thursday after she strayed from his kennel in Bagumbong, Caloocan City.

Rodis said he left the dog in the care of three junior police officers, but the dog managed to get away after the leash was carelessly tied and the gate left open.

He said Sarah, easily worth about P1 million, is highly intelligent but very tame and would readily go with anyone in the absence of her handlers.

Rodis, who is currently training some 30 dogs in his kennel, said Sarah could attack a person who shows any form of hostility toward her handler.

"If anyone so much as cusses me or cocks a gun, she would grab you with her fangs," Rodis said.

Her loss is being felt by the police as she is a vital cog in police operations, particularly those involving drugs and explosives.

Belgians are medium-sized dogs of exceptional working ability used for many purposes, including tracking and police work. At first glance, they resemble German Shepherds but upon closer inspection differences may be seen, including bone structure, color, head and ear shape. Belgians are generally lighter, quicker and more agile.

City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo expressed concern for the loss and has requested those now taking care of Sarah to get in touch with his office immediately. The mayor reportedly gives regular support for the care of Rodis’ trained dogs.

Sarah and her partner "SPO3," a Labrador Retriever, are Rodis’ favorites among the trained drug and bomb dog pack which includes German and Dutch Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Tervurines.