[1] Four military dogs were given a very special send-off last month. The canines had identified bomb threats and even helped emergency rescue teams during storms in their careers. The retirement ceremony was held in Shanghai by a People’s Armed Police (PAP) unit. The retiring animals were decorated with red flowers. They completed their final training session and were handed over to new adoptive families.
[2] One of the crime-fighting canines was a patrol dog named Matt. He is a 10-year-old male Belgian Malinois, a strong breed. According to one China National Radio channel, Matt was stubborn and mischievous when he first joined the unit. He often ran off during training to play.
[3] Matt became more focused on training over time. He began carrying out precise bite moves and crossing obstacles quickly. In 2017, he helped the police arrest five gamblers. He also earned third place in a relay competition. At the retirement ceremony, his trainer lovingly said, “Eat well, sleep well and do not destroy your new home.”
[4] Carry was an explosives detection dog. He is also 10 years old. He is a Springer Spaniel and was known for his timid yet gentle nature. He once broke his leg during a training session. His keeper stayed by his side for two weeks, taking care of him and sleeping beside him. But once Carry recovered, he seemed eager to return to training. This left his trainer shocked and also touched.
[5] Majingtian was a military working dog. His name means “to astonish the world”. He is also a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, like Matt. Majingtian was scared and timid when he joined the force. But the canine did not take long to impress. In 2019, Majingtian successfully rescued three people during a typhoon emergency.
[6] The last of the four retirees was Yeli. She was the youngest and the only girl. Yeli is an eight-year-old female Labrador retriever. She was an explosives detection dog, like Carry. She joined the force when she was only five months old. But she has consistently ranked top in every assessment and mission. Yeli once detected a suspicious package in an underground station. It had three bottles of methane, a powerful gas with no colour or smell.
[7] Military dogs in China train for one to two years before joining a unit, such as the navy, air force and PAP. They usually serve for five to eight years. The dogs receive special care, including meals made by nutritionists and air-conditioned living spaces.
[8] According to the Chinese military, most retired dogs remain with their original units and are cared for by their trainers. Volunteers who have been checked can also adopt retired dogs. These volunteers must be visited by the unit every year.
Source: South China Morning Post, September 9
Content provided by British Council
