They start as puppies just like any others, but then they turn into an extra layer of combat against perpetrators sa国际传媒� and in some cases an extra layer of protection for police officers.

B.C. RCMP relies on 89 dog teams across the province, made up of the best of the best German shepherds. In fact, only one-in-three puppies make it to graduation into the force.

But along the way, they still need a name, and thatsa国际传媒檚 where the Mounties are relying on B.C.sa国际传媒檚 most creative to help out.

READ MORE: Heresa国际传媒檚 how to enter this yearsa国际传媒檚 puppy naming contest

RCMP Cpl. Mike Jordan said naming the dogs is the first step in what becomes years of integral bonding between a police dog and his handler.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 very key, we can get ourselves in some sticky situations where we have to protect each other,sa国际传媒� he said.

For Jordan, he and his dog, named Dave have spent hundreds of hours together in training and being apart of investigations throughout the Lower Mainland.

On a few occasions, Jordan said Davesa国际传媒檚 even saved him.

While tracking in Hope, close to the Fraser River, a rock gave in and Jordan started to fall.

sa国际传媒淚 was going to fall about 60 feet,sa国际传媒� he said, sa国际传媒渨hen Dave dug in and got caught by a tree with his long line and I was able to pull myself up.sa国际传媒�

Although Jordan suspects Dave may not have realized he was saving him, but instead sa国际传媒渄idnsa国际传媒檛 want to go down with me,sa国际传媒� it was nonetheless a moment Jordan wonsa国际传媒檛 forget.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 that bond that matters,sa国际传媒� he said.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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