The dogs that usually end up in police service have a commanding presence. As a result, they gain respect and intimidate the people with whom officers have to deal. But Gavel appears to be the polar opposite. He’s always friendly and cheerful, so he doesn’t fit into this role.
Because of his friendly demeanor, the German Shepherd from Queensland, Australia was kicked out of his police dog training program. Fortunately, he could find a new job in the same field. They had no idea what to do with Gavel at first. However, after further consideration, a staff member came up with a brilliant idea. The dog’s demeanor would be ideal for the world of politics.
It was done and dusted! The playful Gavel is now the Vice-Regal Dog, with a permanent residence in the Government House.
“There were many comments from people at Open Day over the weekend expressing how much they enjoyed following Gavel’s progression from aspiring police pooch to Vice-Regal Dog via social media,” according to a post on the Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey AC’s Facebook page.
Instead of chasing bad guys, the overly friendly dog greets distinguished guests of the Government House.
“He has outgrown four ceremonial coats, changed careers (his official title is now Gavel VRD, ‘Vice-Regal Dog,’ and brought untold joy to the governor the thousands of Queenslanders who have since visited the estate,” Jersey told the BBC.
After all, the new job appears to be a perfect fit for Gavel. Even though he comes from a long pedigree line, he is a royal blood dog. So, genetically, he should have made an excellent police dog tracker. Instead, gavel essentially desired to be a dog. “We hope Gavel will be with us for a long, long time,” Jersey told 7 News Brisbane.
Credit majesticanimals.net and Office of the Governor