Morris Co. K9, 'Bark Madness' Champ, Gets Juicy Steak At Local Tavern

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — A tasty lunch was the prize for the winner of this year's "Bark Madness" in Morris County, a fun contest for residents to pick their favorite Sheriff's Office K9.

Morris County residents chose K9 Kaboom, a former shelter dog, above the other finalist K9 Odie in the online voting. As a reward, the seven-year-old Labrador retriever mix got a steak lunch, donated by Arthur's Tavern in Morris Plains.

K9 Kaboom is trained to search for missing people and locate a number of explosive odors. Officials said the Sheriff's Office adopted Kaboom after his third surrender to the Parsippany Animal Shelter.

The MCSO gave this summation of Kaboom's win: "In an incredible run through this year’s bracket, K9 Kaboom beat the number one seed and gallantly advanced to the finals. This true underdog has prevailed to become the regal champion of the people."

K9 Kaboom's handler, Detective Christopher Murarik, attended and is actively serving as a captain in the New Jersey National Guard. Sheriff James M. Gannon, Sheriff's Office employee Shannon Rice, and Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski also joined Kaboom to celebrate.

Officials said the restaurant was closed at the time of the event, and that staff addressed all health and sanitary concerns around having a dog come in to the dining room.

K9 Kaboom is certified as both an explosives detection canine and a search and rescue canine, and reportedly had good table manners during the lunch.