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Titan & handler, Constable Andy Stewart To some he's a dog, to
others he's a friend who's there when you need him. Titan, the canine
member (K-9) of the Saugeen Shores Police force has become part of his
community.
When Titan had an accident that resulted in a major fracture in his
right leg, fellow members of the police force (humans) empathized in the
way they would with any other member of the force. At 92 lbs. of solid
muscle, Titan had just finished his Provincial qualification re-training
when he had his accident. Even before his surgery in Guelph, the
Saugeen Shores Police Force banded together behind one of their own and
decided that Titan had to be saved.
Handler, Andy Stewart, explains that, "Our relationship is built on
trust. He's a great police dog and he has incredible drive. He will go
to the ultimate to provide the safety that he's been trained to do. He
gives us trust and respect and we should do the same for him."
"On June 11," explains Stewart, "he goes back for a check-up in Guelph
and then he'll start physiotherapy. It's extremely important that we
keep his joint moving and, we expect that he'll begin swimming therapy
to do that. His x-rays look pretty good and we're anxiously waiting a
further report after his check-up."
Titan's role and acceptance in the community was evident on Saturday as
dog owners turned out in numbers with their dogs at the Sunset Car and
Pet Wash in Port Elgin. Owner of the Sunset Car and Pet Wash, Taun Fosst,
said he was amazed at the number of supporters who had turned out.
"It's incredible. It just goes to show how the community pulls
together and how we support our own, even if they are the four-legged
variety."
Members of the police force rolled up their sleeves and washed every
size, shape and breed of dog that came out in force with their owners to
help support Titan with his medical bills and also to help raise funds
for the purchase and training of the next K-9 member.
Bosley, held by Sharon Stewart looks lovingly at his new owner,
Joanne Haughland Bosley was there with his new owner, Joanne
Haughland. "Bosley was slated to be put down in Windsor," says Haughland,
"but at the last moment was granted a reprieve and was sent to Owen
Sound because they have a 'no destroy' policy there. I heard about him
and, when I saw him, I was a 'goner'. He's wonderful." (next column)
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(continued)
Byron, the Great Dane lines up with the others
Byron, the Great Dane, was also there with Melissa Carr, and Titan Jr.
was being tended to by Constable Andy Stewart's daughter, Kirstin.
"Titan Jr. actually drives Titan Sr. crazy ... I think he (Jr.) thinks
he's the boss."
The 'Pet Wash' is only the beginning for Titan's recovery. He will soon
begin his new clothing line with his personal 'paw print' autographed
T-shirts ... all in the name of canine charity
Everyone Waits Their Turn
Titan Jr. gets a rinse from owner, Kirstin Stewart
(R) while being controlled by Constable Terry Varga (yellow coat)
assisted by Dan Trefelet
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