Colchester, Vermont - January 23, 2007

A slobber and fur-covered mat sits on the floor of the Colchester Police Department. The new furniture is for the new member of the force. Officer David Dewey says, "He's definitely a puppy. He wants to play, play, play."

But soon it will be work, work, work for Tazor, a Belgian Malinoise. Dewey says the breed is known to be attentive, and to stubbornly stick with tasks. The officer explains, "Drugs are the number one use, or task, for the dogs."

In addition to sniffing out drugs, a job that requires constant training as new substances hit the streets, the K-9 will also track suspects or missing kids, help in the execution of search warrants, and may chomp down on bad guys who won't be taken without a fight.

Tazor will teach school kids about his job. But he has to learn a lesson first: basic obedience. Dewey takes the nine month-old puppy home at night. He says, "Something I'm trying to do is expose him to new challenges I can find: new noises, new environments, being around kids, adults, playgrounds, and obstacle courses."

Officer Dewey says the Belgian Malinoise is becoming more popular for jobs in public safety. There are two others working as police dogs in Vermont.

Tazor's predecessor, Kilo, was a German Shepherd. He died in November. Individuals and businesses around Chittenden County donated money to the Vermont Police Canine Association, helping bring Tazor to Colchester. Dewey says, "It was amazing to see the support out there. To see how people supported it and wanted to see it continue."

Just purchasing the dog cost $1,300 paid to an Ohio breeder. And Tazor's about to begin a four-to-six month intensive training course in Addison County. Officer Dewey will visit the dog during that time, to maintain their bond.

With his alert ears and quick moves, Tazor looks poised to become a top dog in law enforcement.

Jack Thurston - Channel 3 News