K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play
Introduction
One time, Tom left me locked in our car for too long. Eventually, I needed to pee. When Tom didn’t return, I had an accident. It wasn’t planned. I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident.
I’ve been with Deputy Jennings when he’s worked car accidents. In the summer, the asphalt on the highways can get so hot it feels like my feet are on fire. In the winter, I’m glad to be wearing my heavy coat.
After an accident, Tom always asks the driver, “What happened?’” I’ve heard a lot of responses. Sometimes the driver blames another driver. Other times people admit to falling asleep or texting on their phone.
I’ve also heard people blame dogs for running out into the road. I don’t take it personally. I know some dogs who don’t have a lick of common sense.
When Deputy Jennings and I get sent to an accident by a dispatcher, the 911 employee identifies the type of wreck we’re going to by using a language called “ten-code”. A ‘”10-48” is an injury accident; a “10-47” is a non-injury accident. Once I was on a “10-40.” That’s a fatality wreck. Someone had died. Everyone was sad, including me.
Arrest
Another common word used in law enforcement that begins with the letter “a” is arrest.
I was working with Tom one night when we were assigned to a non-injury car accident. The driver was intoxicated, which means the person was drunk. People who are drunk don’t think clearly or have full control of their body.
Tom arrested the driver for DUI, which means Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. Tom told the dispatcher that he was “10-15 one time.” That meant Tom had one person under arrest.
When Tom and I make an arrest, the handcuffed prisoner, who is seat-belted, is usually transported to jail in our SUV’s back seat, beside my kennel. We have a separate, enclosed, secure space for the prisoner. K-9 officers who don’t have a safe cubicle for the prisoner, call for backup so another officer can transport the offender.
I remember the man Tom arrested slurring his words as he said: “I’m too drunk to drive; just take me home.”
Think About It
- If you saw a car accident, would you tell someone?
- If you told someone about the accident, who would you tell?
- Do you know the emergency phone number to call? What is it?
Happy writing and reading,
