Shado and the IntruderDog

On September 7, 1977, at 3:12 a.m., an alarm sounded at the Eaton's store in downtown Red Deer. A police car on patrol in the vicinity arrived at the scene within seconds. At first glance no point of forced entry could be determined indicating that it was merely a false alarm. However, upon closer examination, the entry point was located behind a large wire fence enclosing the Garden Centre.

The store manager and RCMP personnel were unsuccessful in locating anyone in the store. However, due to the initial speedy arrival of police officers, it was felt that the intruder had not had time to escape and Cpl. Danforth and his dog Shado were called upon for assistance.

Shado started in the basement storage area and worked his way up to the second floor furniture display. In the drapery department Shado started to pace back and forth indicating that he detected someone. The area was searched thoroughly but nothing was amiss. Shado, meanwhile, persisted to indicate someone was present and he stood up between some drapes with his paws pushing against a wall. Brushing these aside, a small door was located in a false wall. The door was opened and the area searched visually. Still nothing. Shado entered the area and there, lying on the floor out of sight behind a radiator, was the culprit. Only Shado's keen sense of smell and tenacity prevented the intruder from remaining there undetected.

Our reports do not show that rewards were bestowed upon Shado. We do know, however, that for his efforts, this early morning bargain hunter was later sentenced to one year in jail for his after hours shopping spree.

Through their incredible sense of smell, police service dogs have located drugs in schools, bus and train station lockers; in luggage; hidden behind false walls; stashed in automatic washers and dryers; buried beneath ground; and concealed in various areas of automobiles, boats and airplanes. There is almost no limit to the ingenuity displayed by persons trying to hide a cache of drugs, but it is not mach for a police service dog. If a drug is anywhere near, a dog will find it.