WANT to officially adopt three incredible bomb sniffers named Snow, Casper and Nik? Just contact the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

PNP-SAF director Major General Rudolph B. Dimas said they are looking for new homes for the Snow, 13, and Casper,12, two Labrador Retrievers and Nik, a 10-year old German Shepherd who have been officially retired from the police force after serving with distinction for 10 years or more.

Snow is the only female among the three.

Maj. Gen. Dimas said that the three K-9s have been involved in a number of major anti-criminality operations conducted by the PNP-SAF.

The hero dogs were very useful in the sweeping operations inside the New Bilibid Prisons in finding drugs and weapons hidden by inmates and the successful effort to secure the Miss Universe Pageant in 2016.

They were also behind a successful service of a search warrant against known criminals in Macabling, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, in Tala, Caloocan City and in Pasig City as well as another operation in Baras, Rizal, which led in the recovery of improvised explosive devices, blasting caps and other IED components hidden by the New People’s Army.

The three have underwent specific training to assist their handlers from the PNP-SAF’s 153rd Special Action Company’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal/K-9 Unit stationed inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

All three have swept different venues for explosives and help apprehend suspects on the run.

However, just like ordinary human being, they also need to retire because of age. Dog experts say that police dogs work extremely hard their whole life that they need to be retired between the ages of seven and 11.

It is also a fact that having a ‘high-stress job,’ retired police dogs may also exhibit negative behaviors such as aggression, the so-called ‘separation anxiety’ or post-traumatic disorder as they have to be separated from their previous handlers.

PNP dog handlers are generally the first choice to adopt the animals as they already have an established bond.

However, these dogs can also easily adjust to their new homes with their new families if their former handlers are unable to adopt them.

This time, the PNP-SAF is looking for private individuals willing to adopt their three canines whom he said have helped them successfully find bombs and improvised explosive devices hidden by enemies of the state and other criminals.

According to Maj. Gen. Dimas, persons interested to adopt the highly-trained dogs may visit the office of the 153rd Special Action Company’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal/K-9 Unit inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Interested parties may also call or text the 153SAC/EODK9U hotline at 09431354015 for more information.

The PNP-SAF has called on the public to help them find ‘new homes’ for the three veteran SAF K-9s saying that adopting a retired explosive detection dog is not just an act of kindness but an opportunity to be inspired by a true hero’s story.

“Let us unite in this noble cause, and together, let us pave the way for a brighter future for these incredible creatures who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving us,” said the PNP-SAF chief.

At present, the 153rd SAC’s EOD/K-9 Unit ,which is under the SAF’s Force Support Battalion, has been given the mission to locate and neutralize explosive devices, search for hidden bombs and provide reliable and effective support to SAF troopers during its mission to fight terror and address bomb-related incidents in the country.

The unit is currently training 15 new dogs to beef-up its present K-9 strength of eight following the retirement of the three animals up for adoption.

PNP-SAF spokesperson Lieutenant Billy Matias said the three were among the highly-trained and skilled military and police working dogs trained in explosive detection and disposal.

He said that just like many veteran SAF commandos, these dogs have spent years on the front lines sniffing out danger and protecting their troops and the public from deadly explosives.

“They have worked tirelessly, never wavering in their commitment to duty. Their loyalty, dedication and unwavering bravery have undoubtedly saved countless lives,” he said.

Lt. Matias however said that the active service days of these ‘special unsung heroes’ have come to an end due to their age and physical condition.

SAF officials said one must not imagine the happiness and friendship those dogs would bring as well as the lifelong relationship they might develop as they give a second shot to the animals to live a normal dog’s life.

“Adopting one of these ex-explosive detecting canines will give you the chance to personally feel its effects. Let’s unite as a community and express our appreciation to these retired bomb detecting dogs for putting their lives in danger to keep us safe,” Maj. Gen. Dimas said.