Dog's noses are always
wet. We think that this sheen of moisture acts almost like Velcro,
trapping scent molecules as they waft by. Along with the sticky
mucus in the nasal passages, this allows dogs to collect and store
large numbers of passing molecules.
Like the strong
bond of friendship and trust that exists between any dog and
their caregiver, the bond between MDD dogs and handlers is very
strong. This is important because they will work as a team for
a minimum of 5 years. And moreover, every day, their lives depend
on each other.
For the dogs, finding
explosives is a game, so the handler must be alert to any inconsistencies
in the dog's actions. Dogs are just like you and I, in the sense
that they can become bored, sick, or even be having an off day.
The handlers have to make sure that their dogs are in top shape
every day that they do this important work. Matching each dog
with a handler of the right temperament is critical.
Team
Number One: Alex and Zarko
ALEX:
Origin: Hungary
Breed: German Shepherd
Claim to fame: Met Queen Elizabeth II in Toronto in October
2002. Was interviewed on Canada AM too!
Sponsored by: Three Dog Bakery
Handler
Name: Zarko Budincic
Date of birth: April 23, 1973
Address: Trebinje
Family members: Mother, Father, Wife
Interests: sports, science, foreign languages
Team
Number Two: Fanny and Zeljko
FANNY
Origin: Hungary
Breed: German Shepherd
Sponsored by: Three Dog Bakery
Handler
Name: Zeljko Danilovic
Date of birth: October 2, 1979
Address: Trebinje
Family members: Father, Mother, Sister
Interests: music, spending time with friends
Team
Number Three: Pax and Miljan
PAX
Origin: Hungary
Breed: German Shepherd
Claim to fame: Named through the "I
Need A Name" contest by
Ally of Toronto.
Sponsored by: Canada's Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program
and schools across the country
Handler
Name: Miljan Zirojevic
Ethnicity: Serb
Date of birth: February 22, 1980
Address: Vojkovici 245 A, S. Sarajevo
Family members: Father, Mother, Sister
Interests: Soccer and basketball
Team Number
Four: Nightingale and Damir
NIGHTINGALE
Origin: Hungary
Breed: German Shepherd
Sponsored by: Nightingale House at Elmwood School in Ottawa.
Handler
Name: Damir Garibovic
Ethnicity: Bosniak
Date of birth: March 29, 1976
Home address: Azize Sacirbegovic 128, Sarajevo
Languages: English
Interests: Soccer (particularly English Premier League) and
Basketball
