Former Shelter Dog Joins Alexandria Police Department

An Alexandria shelter dog turned K-9 officer is graduating from the Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 school Wednesday with flying colors.

Zara, a young female Belgian Malinois, was turned over to the Animal League of Alexandria (AWLA) in Sept. 2013 when her owner could no longer care for her.

“It quickly became clear that she was a very high-energy dog who desperately wanted to work,” Alexandria officials said in a news release. She wasn’t an appropriate pet for most families because of her high energy level and intense drive.

Zara passed the department’s test with flying colors and was accepted into the Basic K-9 School after a year of training.

“We could not be more grateful to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for bringing Zara to us. She is an excellent addition to our K-9 Unit and family here at the Police Department,” Alexandria Police Chief Earl L. Cook said in a statement.

“This is a win/win situation because Zara gets to work and do what she loves and the city gets to help a dog who will then help the entire community of Alexandria,” said Megan Webb, Executive Director of AWLA.

Image: Courtesy AWLA