North Country Inspiration: This shelter pup has a bright future

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Trigger the German shepherd is hard at work at Canine College, learning basic obedience and skills to become a police dog, sport dog, or search-and-rescue dog.

“He’s a very extroverted type of dog and he has a lot of drive,” Canine College owner Sandra King said. He needs a job.”

Trigger is a well-bred dog and has great manners, but someone dumped him on the streets of Lowville and had to be taken in by the Lewis County Humane Society.

As soon as the shelter posted Trigger on Facebook, he was recognized as a pup who could do great things.

“I always watch movies where shelter animals get to do police work and stuff,” shelter manager Amber Zehr said, “so when Sandra reached out to us from Canine College, it was incredible to hear from her.”

Canine College is just the beginning. Next, Trigger will go to ProspectK9 to learn specialized skills and be placed in a job that suits him.

“He’s going to open him up to his working drive and see if he can pull out some hunt drive, which is important for detection or search and rescue,” King said.

Trigger will have his happy ending. From the streets to success. But any dog, given the chance, can have a similar outcome.

“With that positive foundation and extra work, any of these dogs can move on to something amazing,” Zehr said.

In a year, Trigger will finish his training, be placed in a career, and serve as an advocate for shelter dogs everywhere.

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