Kano is a regal, full-blooded Red-Nosed Pit Bull. He has one soulful hazel eye and one that is a stunning icy blue. For most of his life, Kano has trained for the distinguished title he holds today: Kansas’ very first Pit Bull narcotics K9.
Representing an often-misunderstood breed, Kano will be judged on more than just his policework; but his handler Officer Mason Paden says they are up for the challenge.
“Just like people dogs are individuals too!” Paden said via Facebook. “Kano and I plan to get out there and help try to change the bad name that so many have given the Pit Bull.”
As a K9 “drug detective”, Kano is trained in locating Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Ecstasy. Just this week, he helped the Stafford Police Department find more than $7,000 worth of Marijuana.
Kano was handpicked by Animal Farm Foundation and Universal K9 when he was 4-months-old. The two organizations have partnered to train rescue pit bulls for work as narcotics or explosives sniffing dogs.
Animal Farm Foundation stated:
“When rescuing and re-homing dogs, we focused on American Pit Bull Terriers. Over time, We realized that the dogs we were helping were not necessarily purebred American Pit Bull Terriers, but dogs that people called “Pit Bulls”. “Pit Bull” is not a breed or breed mix, but an ever expanding group that includes whatever and animal control officer, shelter worker, dog trainer, politician, dog owner, police officer, or newspaper says it is. This opened our eyes to the dogs in front of us. These are the dogs that need our help.”
Since his graduation from the Universal K9 police dog training program on October 27, Kano has lived with Paden, his girlfriend, and their five other dogs.
“Kano has a strict set of rules to follow when at home and at work,” Paden said. “Kano knows when he comes out it’s time to go to work. Anyone who watches him work can and will see the drive this dog has, not only that but how incredible these dogs are.”
According to Universal K9, more than 50 of their trained Pit Bulls are currently serving law enforcement agencies across the country.
H/T to KHOU.com
Featured Image via Facebook/Stafford Police Department
