D230 Officials Look to Bring Friendlier Drug-Sniffing Pooch to Area Schools

Officials are hoping their new K9 selection will be friendlier than German Shepherds and Rotweilers, while also sniffing out drugs, gun powder and alcohol in local schools.

Consolidated High School 230 board members are looking to bring a golden retriever named Goldie to their three area campuses—Sandburg in Orland Park, Andrew in Tinley Park and Stagg in Palos Hills, according to TribLocal. 

The suggestion comes from the Houston, Texas, company, InterQuest Detection Canines, the story said.

Triblocal reports:

The dog is docile and we like the fact that this isn’t a growling dog,” Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Kim Dryier said. “This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s just another way to keep things out of our schools that do not belong.”

Some drugs—like heroin—have proved a recent problem in D230 schools, officials have said. Following a wave overdose cases in January, district administrators sent a letter to parents asking for their help and awareness. Robo calls also were made with principals reading the message.

“It’s very important for parents, community members and kids to know that the point is not to get someone in trouble, but to get them help and support,” Debbie Boniface, principal at Carl Sandburg High School, said at the time. “This is about making healthy and appropriate choices, and whatever we can do to ensure that is important.”

Interquest has a Chicago-area office and the company's trainer has worked schools as close as Lincoln-Way, the story said.

Goldie could be roaming the halls next August if the program is approved by the board. 

"With this program, the students in the building actually form a relationship with the dog,” Olsen told Triblocal. “They know the dog. They know the dog’s name. It’s non-threatening and you don’t have to go to a soft lockdown and have German Sheperds or Rottweilers barking in the hallways.”

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