Crimefighter Diezl is top dog for his sniffing ability
A PORT Elizabeth crimefighting canine has received top honours for his lifesaving sniffing skills.
Diezl, a six-year-old German shepherd, sniffed his way to glory and gold at the South African Working Trial Dog Association’s national competition held in Bethlehem recently.
Diezl, a member of the SAPS K-9 Unit, scooped a gold and three silver medals at the competition last week for his ability to detect plastic explosives.
Patrol and sniffer dog Diezl was put through his paces and competed against both private citizens’ dogs and police dogs from around the country. The excitable canine competed in both the national and corporate competition and in a range of categories from explosives to narcotics detection. Diezl’s handler, Warrant Officer Wessie Westraadt, said his “partner and buddy” was a friendly chap.
“We have come a long way. We have been together for six years. He is friendly with people but if I give him a command he will do his job.” Diezl received gold after searching for 20g of explosives hidden in one of five containers on a 25m² course.
Westraadt said the competition was tough and he was thrilled with Diezl’s win. Dave Gardner, owner of Gardmed, sponsored Westraadt and Diezl for the trip to Bethlehem. “I am so chuffed. No one helps these guys out. They have to go at their own cost. I don’t believe these guys get the recognition they deserve,” Gardner said yesterday.