Xandy graduated today meaning she will be joining Bree down south.
Xandy came to be with us in August when we were approached by Guide Dogs who had this beautiful 20 month old Labrador. She had been born and bred to be a much valued dog with the Blind Foundation, however Xandy appeared to have other ideas about her career path.
Not contented to be a guide dog Xandy set out to challenge her trainers and after much effort – it was decided that her future was not with the blind. With an inkling that Xandy was not going to be a guide dog or a pet, NZ Detector Dogs was approached to see if Xandy could be offered a rewarding future with the team.
While we don’t usually take such dogs, we did so for Xandy’s sake. She was a cheeky little monkey that had trouble written all over her unless she had a challenge and so we took her for a 1 month trial to see if working as a drug dog would be that challenge.
Within one week Xandy answered that question loud and clear – yes she wanted to be a drug dog. Thriving on the training, scent work, stimulating environments and situations she grew in front of our eyes into one of the best trainees I have seen for a long time.She has already had a number of operational finds and loves the work. Her tail goes non stop and she is just so confident and happy when working.
We now have an awesome new team member kindly sent to us by Guide Dogs. They should be very proud of this little lady who is already well on her way to a successful new career!
