National K9 Veterans Day Honor's service of military and police dogs

El Paso, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) – When the National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated, the commitment and bond between K9 handler and their dogs are emphasized.

This day honors the service of military and working dogs. According to the Ministry of Justice, over a thousand puppies worked for the military and fifty thousand active police dogs.

Sergeant Raul Melendez, a K-9 handler from El Paso Police Patrol, informed the unique connection with his dog Rick.

From the beginning from the first day, as soon as they come into the car, he understands that we become work and connect immediately, “he said.

The deputy sheriff office of the sheriff in El Paso County described the challenges and rewards of a K9 handler.

Being a K9 is one of the toughest tasks that I have ever had as a police officer, “he said.” It is a great honor. Help of my community in the search for narcotics that also go into other related activities.

The history of the K9 service dates from March 13, 1942, when the US Army began to train dogs for the war dog program known as K-9 Corps.

This was the first official recognition of dogs as part of the US forces.

Sergeant Jesus Melendez, also a K-9 handler from El Paso Police Patrol, emphasized how important it is to recognize these dogs. “The K-9 are very recognized. They go very unduncated,” he said.

The Melendez brothers talked about the strong bond, which was formed with their K9 partners. “For the general public so that people understand that they go through, they will go through. But as soon as they tie them with the dog, they become dad, they are a team. And they have such a strong bond,” said Raul Melendez.

These dogs and their traders often complete extensive training and often live together and form a deep connection that improves their effectiveness in the field.

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