Connecticut K-9 Olympics

On a warm summer Saturday I went with another photographer to the Police K-9 Olympics in Enfield, Connecticut. We went knowing and expecting a full day of highly trained dogs and lots of law enforcement who would be there to proudly show what team work looks like. We weren’t disappointed with these incredible police K-9 teams as they competed in this very intense competition.
I’ve always felt the best part of any competition is watching the love between the dogs and the people who care for them. It makes no difference if it’s a dog show, an agility ring or here at this big old field set up with lots of obstacles as it’s easy to recognize the unmistakable connection these dogs have with their partners. These devoted men and women of law enforcement showed it is more than just time invested in the training of these beautiful dogs but a far deeper love bestowed upon their partner who is by there side when the sun rises and sets each day.
Watching these teams go through water to end up crawling in mud then bounding through a car window, followed by long dark tunnel and climbing ladders before ending the course with a very long stay command at the end of an exhausting course was extraordinary feat. What started out as a warm day had now turned into a down right hot one with hundreds of spectators crowded around a sun baked field while these dogs kept focused and finished what they had come there to do. These aren’t just highly trained dogs doing a job but cherished members of a far larger family that most ordinary people don’t get to see in action. This was a treat for all who came out to be a part of this.
These 34 teams arrived ready to compete and show the crowds just what their K-9 parters were made of and succeeded in sharing just why these dog heroes are beyond special to all of us. The law enforcement community doesn’t just stand on two feet but six and they are all connected by the bond of wanting to protect and keep us safe as they are part of fiber of the towns and cities we all live in.
It’s always an honor to watch Police K-9s in action but it’s even more of an honor for me to be able to watch these teams relaxing before going to compete and then running off the field after they were done with what they had come to do joyfully.
It’s a pretty incredible community these dogs of the law have and we should never take them or their partners for granted.
Bless them and keep them all safe.
Margaret Foxmoore