Taylor The Pit Bull Who Fights Drugs

[MeSheLL]

Taylor The Pit Bull who Fights Drugs

Summary of the December, 1997 Dog Fancy magazine: "$30 Million Sniffer Nabs Smugglers"

"Taylor, a 4-year old pit bull mix, shows a real knack for his job. In his first two years on the job, he has sniffed out more than $30 million worth of narcotics...Out of more than 100 dogs in the San Diego [CA, USA] district K-9 unit, Taylor ranks as a top performer."

The article went on to say that Taylor, a muscular, 86-pound light brown brindle, was rescued from a city shelter by a canine enforcement officer only two days before he was due to be euthanized. He was selected largely because of his intense focus on a tennis ball the officer, Robert Root, bounced in front of the dog to test, in his words, how strong his intent is.

With intensity being a integral characteristic of American Pit Bull Terriers, it is surprising that they are not used more often in this work. However, the article stated that "Although Taylor's eagerness was unmistakable, he was not the kind of dog Customs usually looks for. Part of the drug enforcement job entails going to airports where close contact with civilians is inevitable.

'The Customs Service wants a dog that presents a good image,' [said Root]. If you're working in an airport with a pit bull, it would probably scare a lot of people.'"

Taylor also was described as working strictly on verbal commands with his handler, Barbara Trice, and being "intense in his affection for Trice."

Although Taylor may not be your typical customs dog, he certainly demonstrates the heart of a typical American Pit Bull Terrier.

Thanks to the San Diego branch of the US Customs Service for having enough courage to give Taylor a chance, and to Dog Fancy for giving the breed some needed positive press. Taylor shows what the breed is capable of, if given the opportunity.