News

Loss for centre as sniffer dog dies

A NEW sniffer dog due to join the team at Rhoserchan rehab centre in Penrhyncoch has tragically died just before he was due to start work.

The unnamed black labrador had been due to start checking the premises for drugs on Monday, but he passed away whilst under anaesthetic during a routine operation last week. After several months of training, the dog would have joined the team helping keep the centre drug free as residents attempt to conquer substance misuse.

Rhoserchan manager Annette Rumble said: “He’d had a good couple of months training and had spent the last few weeks working with police trainers and he passed their tests with flying colours.

“He would have been a huge boost to the team here and very therapeutic for our residents. We’re absolutely devastated by the news, I’d taken the week off work to train with him and get to know him.”

The operation, to neuter the dog who was one year old, is a common one, with benefits including birth control, reducing aggressive and territorial behaviour and eliminating chances of testicular cancer.

However, with any procedure involving anaesthetic there are some risks involved and sadly this was one of the rare occasions.

One small consolation is that the dog hadn’t met any of the team or residents at Rhoserchan, so deep attachments hadn’t been made, but nevertheless, the loss has caused a great deal of grief.

The centre is hopeful that a new dog may be made available, however it would likely mean starting the costly training process again from scratch for the not-for-profit charity.