Fannin County, Texas -- It's been a long 15 years without a K-9 service dog in Fannin County -- a stint of absence that Sheriff Cody Shook knew needed to come to a close when he took his position in January.
Under the initiative of Sheriff Shook, and the incredible support of neighboring PD departments, dedicated individuals, and funds from grants, the search for a new service canine became possible. After a staggering $14,000 was paid without a single taxpayer dollar, the stunning 18-month-old Belgian Malinois - German shepherd mix named Onyx, was adopted into the force.
Onyx hails originally from Poland, and was adopted from the Florida Police Service INC. He was marked top of his class, his capabilities outranking twelve other dogs of similar age and training.
Onyx has completed his narcotics training and will be completing his apprehension training in the next two weeks, making him completely certified for the special job. His apprehension training includes tracking, and when absolutely necessary - search and rescue.
Deputy Taeylor Doty, an Air Force veteran with extensive Handler experience, came to Fannin County Sheriff's Office to inaugurate Onyx and act as his primary caregiver. The duo will go in to work together and leave work together, mixed with 8 hours of training a week.
“He stays with me 24/7,” Deputy Doty stated. “He lives on my ten acres, with plenty of space to run and practice his training exercises.”
Onyx engaged eagerly with a special toy used for training him in the work.
“This toy mimics what he does for apprehension, the bite work, as you can see it’s his favorite,” explained Deputy Doty, as Onyx’s relentless energy was on full display, demonstrating his sharp presence and commitment to his training. The material of his unique toy mimics the texture he'd experience on the job.
“Obviously, this is what he gets paid for, you know, just like we come to work every day, and get a paycheck that says paycheck. He loves getting paid, right?”
His narcotic skills, which have already come into play in a few successful seizures on the street, were demonstrated. In a remarkable display of intelligence, his energetic countenance was completely calmed in a moment that signaled he had found the planted evidence mimicking a controlled substance.
After the quick and effective demonstration, Onyx was rewarded with a favorite toy.
The eager K-9 Deputy recruit Onyx has a long and honorable road ahead of him, one that we can be sure he is enjoying to the fullest.
“He’s an asset, not just for us, but for everybody in the county,” Sheriff Shook affirmed. “All the police departments have already been notified of what we’re utilizing. We’re using him in the jail to look for narcotics there. In some surrounding sheriff offices, he has been employed several times.”
This is just the beginning for the revival of the K-9 program in Fannin County, and if every dog is as motivated as Onyx, the unit will be a true force to be reckoned with.
