Nearing a year with Geauga Park District’s Ranger Department in June, K-9s Sniper and Rotar have become rather famous faces in the park and around Geauga County.
Both dogs love meeting and greeting their neighbors in the county in an effort to strengthen community relations between law enforcement and the public. They regularly visit schools and safety towns, pancake breakfasts and parades, festivals and science fairs, nursing homes and special events in and out of the parks.
When asked what type of visit they prefer, Ranger Ed Hunziker said his K-9 Rotar “doesn’t have a favorite type of event, really just likes being around people.”
“We have also been hard at work educating the public – adults and children – about dog safety,” said Ranger Denise Weisbarth, who works with K-9 Sniper. Those rules include asking permission to pet or approach a dog; correctly petting and approaching a dog; never taking a toy or bone away from a dog; leash laws; and picking up your dogs’ waste.
“Remember, our dogs are not pets,” she added. “They are working dogs.” Both dogs have assisted law enforcement in the county with school and vehicle sniffs for narcotics with success, and even located lost hikers in the park. Both are trained in narcotics and obedience, state certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Association, and nationally certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association. K-9 Rotar is also certified in article search and tracking.
Geauga County residents may request the K-9s’ presence at special events or for informational talks or demos by contacting Lt. Ranger Dennis Sloan at 440-279-0819 or dsloan@geaugaparkdistrict.org.
To help maintain this unit, tax-deductible donations may be made by check or cash to the Geauga Park District K-9 Fund. Visit Geauga Park District, then Things to Do, then Ways to Help, then Donate for more information. Rangers Weisbarth and Hunziker remain grateful for sizable donations from West Geauga Kiwanis Club ($2,500), Elks Club of Cleveland/Willoughby ($500), Kate’s Bar & Grill ($450), Wanda Meyers ($200), Ronald Sieloff ($100), Sharon Woltman ($100), Brad and Carol Conteen (equipment), You Are Not Forgotten (K-9 vehicle insert), Chardon Tractor Supply (monthly food for Sniper) and Dr. David Allmon at Chardon Veterinary Hospital (care). The V-Twin Cruisers Motorcycle Club is also in the process of making a large donation.
Be sure you stop and say hi to K-9s Sniper or Rotar next time you see them out and about!
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
