March 2016 Academy News Story

march 13For the month of March American Grooming Academy is celebrating K9 officers active and retired! We all have a special place in our hearts for our canine companions, but military, police and working dogs hold a special place for not only a community,but also for individuals who may not be associated with law enforcement! Falling in love with a dog in uniform is a very American thing to do, and what makes it even better is when you encounter a handler that genuinely loves his partner. So This March 13th we are celebrating K9 Veterans in a very special way.

loyalty_of_dogsAll of us at AGA have a special place in our hearts for pets. Many of our lovable friends do nothing more than add to our lives. They never go into battle, they never become search and rescue dogs, and most of our pets when they pass will not be buried with military honors. Although we love our pets dearly there is heart and understanding in the face of a working dog, that tells us he or she is proud and it transcends fur and a drooling tongue. These dogs are truly heroes and we met one such hero a few days ago!

sallieSallie, a small pit bull type terrier was the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. She fought beside her country men during the Civil War at many battles including Gettysburg and Antietam. She was stated as “Knowing the drum march and happily escorted the soldiers”. She is even cast as a bronze likeness on her company’s monument at the Gettysburg National Military Park.

k9Jack Dog a young mastiff mix, was originally a Confederate, but somewhere in Maryland in 1862 he changed sides, becoming a Union mascot. Jack dog became famous for finding water for his brigade and leading them to it. Sergeant Stubby during WWII was the most decorated war dog who ever lived. He was said to warn his company of deadly mustard gas and was even given a specially designed mask to keep him safe. Howard  the first ever Marine Pit Bull was rescued and joined the military to do his job! Howard served three years in Afghanistan with his handler!

police_dog_2Here at AGA we had our very first visit from a hometown hero! The Riverside County Sheriff has a K9 team and the Temecula branch has an amazing boy named Astin! We had the pleasure of meeting Astin and his handler Corporal Chad Staat and we are very impressed with this handsome hunk! (Astin of course). Astin only speaks Czech so we asked Corporal Staat to translate and he graciously accepted.

riverside countyAstin what is your  favorite part about work?

“My favorite part about work is that I get to ride around in a car all day and find bad guys. It makes me feel like a superhero.”

Astin what is your  favorite toy?

“My favorite toy is anything my dad throws to me. I am  especially fond of empty water bottles. I enjoy making the tops shoot off like rockets.”

What was his most memorable thing you have done at work?

“Two years ago, In a 2 month time frame, I apprehended two bank robbers (separate incidents) and a homicide suspect.( I totally Rock)”

What’s the best thing about working with your partner Corporal Statt AKA Dad?

“He does all the driving, I have all the fun and he smells better than me.”

What do you plan to do when you retire?

“I am currently not allowed to stay in the house while I am still working. But when I retire, I am sure I will be lounging on my dads couch while he continues to go to work.”

Not only is Astin an amazing dog and a great police officer but he is sweet and loving. He posed for pictures with our students and even showed off some of his favorite moves. Corporal Staat wanted to become a k9 handler from a young age. He always knew that he wanted to be part of his community by becoming a police officer, but it was when he met his first K9 handler that he knew it’s where he belonged.

We asked Corporal Staat what was the funniest thing K9 Officer Astin has ever done on his 7 years in the force and his replied made us laugh out loud!

The funniest thing he has done was the time he chased a burglary suspect into a backyard with a pool. The suspect went around the pool and Astin thought he would attempt to walk on water to cut him off. It didn’t work.”

dawgsThank you corporal Staat for coming to AGA! Thank you and K9 Officer Astin for your courage and outstanding dedication to the law!

If you would like to donate to K9 veterans for the Riverside county Sheriff come into AGA. Our spa package this month can be added to any groom or bath package! 100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF K9 DOG TEAM! It’s our “K9 Veteran” Spa package. It includes:

  • -Good Boy Shampoo
  • -Conditioner
  • -Tooth brushing
  • -Cologne
  • -Plus a FREE gift! All for only $10.00!!!

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