Jaks is retiring after eight years as a conservation service dog. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Big paws to fill

Conservation officer service dog Jaks retires

Jun 26, 2020 | 1:48 PM

The Ministry of Environment is saying goodbye to a trusted co-worker and welcoming a new member to the conservation team.

After an eight-year career focused primarily on combatting poaching, conservation service dog Jaks is retiring.

Asked about the Belgium Malinois’ career highlights, his handler said he could talk all day about the dog’s achievements in tracking or occasions where he located key pieces of evidence to crack tough cases. However, what Conservation Officer Cpl. Jamie Chartrand said he will remember most about Jaks is his naturally social nature and ability to interact with the public at events and demonstrations.

“Those will always be good memories, him meeting so many people out there and teaching them a little about police dogs and what we do for a living,” he told paNOW.

Jaks and his handler conservation officer Cpl. Jamie Chartrand. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

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Taking over the job from Jaks, is young female German Shepherd, Tai. Chartrand, who is also her handler, said Tai finished training in May and is already performing well. She’s particularly gifted in tracking – searching and finding people – he added.

Tai completed training to provincial standards in May. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Jaks will continue to live with Chartrand who has adopted him. Chartrand said he thinks 10-year-old Jaks will adjust well to retirement, but the dog will have to get used to a new routine.

“You know 2 a.m., 3 in the morning, the phone rings and I’m coming outside, the truck’s started and he starts to get excited – he’s going to have to learn that that’s just not what that is anymore,” he explained. “I’m going to actually grab the other dog and take off.”

The Ministry of the Environment has one conservation service dog who helps with field work around the province. Sometimes the K9 also assists the RCMP and local police forces.

Chartrand said Tai (left) and Jaks (right) get along well and Jaks even lets Tai chase him around the yard. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom