Note: This article is written from the perspective of K9 Max, a member of the City’s Division of Police.
6 a.m.
As soon as my brown eyes open, I climb to the top of the bed and lick Dad’s face to let him know it’s breakfast time. He says, “Buddy, it’s early.” But it doesn’t matter. I’m awake now and there’s so much to do!
Dad is a police officer in Hilliard, and I am, too. I go to work with him every single day. We have a special car that’s made just for me! It holds my water bowl and has a nice place where I can lay down. Every day our job is a little bit different but we’re together all the time.
Wow, I love Dad. We have a special bond. I love my favorite toy, too – a rubber ball on a rope that’s perfect for playing tug!
Dad talks to me in a different language called French. That’s how he tells me to sit, come, and search. He’s my best friend and I want to always be near him!
7 a.m.
I go outside, being sure to grab my toy, and I can smell so many things! I can smell the grass, the bark on the tree, the bugs in the bushes, the man running down the sidewalk, and so much more.
Dad says it’s because I’m a Belgian Malinois, which means I have super strong sense of smell and A LOT of energy. Mom says I’m a sweet, silly boy at home. I need to find my toy. Oh, there it is!
8 a.m.
After eating my breakfast, I make sure my baby brother eats all of his. I love it when he tosses a couple puffs my way! At home, I have one human brother, one doggo brother and one doggo sister. Mom says we’re her pack.
10 a.m.
After a workout in the gym, some snuggles with my brothers, and a few more trips outside, it’s time to go to work! My favorite time of the day! I must grab my toy before we go.
Most days, Dad and I spend a lot of time driving around Hilliard helping people. He tells people I am “dual-purposed, meaning trained in narcotic detection and patrol work – criminal apprehension, tracking, article searches.”
I don’t know about all of that, but I can say I LOVE to play hide and seek! When I find missing people or tell Dad there are narcotics in a car, he gives me my toy and tells me I’m a good boy. It’s the best thing in the world!
At work, I have two doggo brothers: K9 Ari and K9 Griff. K9 Ari is a Belgian Malinois like me, and K9 Griff is a German Shepherd. We work at different times of the day to be sure one of us is available.
6 p.m.
When we get home from work, Dad takes off his duty belt and my work collar. I must run over to Mom and give her some kisses in exchange for some neck scratches.
It makes my tail wag a lot.
8 p.m.
Now, I know it’s time to relax and have some dinner before bedtime. Tomorrow, we get to do it all again!
