seven of the nine dogs currently classed as WDC Detection Dogs are, in fact, shelter animals. Dogs surrendered because they were "out of control" or "just plain crazy", it is that intense, obsessive drive to "do something" that makes them both an annoying pet and a successful working dog.

To find a new detection dog, Megan or a colleague will walk up and down the rows of the shelter bouncing a tennis ball. The dogs that are more interested in the ball than anything else make the first cut. Then one by one, the dogs are tested using toys and food, with additional distractions added over time. The dog that is completely obsessed with the toy over food or any other distraction is a strong candidate.…

Meet the real-life dog hero, Pepin, and his handler, Dr. Megan Parker, at the 2009 Wildlife Conservation Expo on October 3 in San Francisco. For more details, visit http://www.wildnet.org/events/expo2009sat.html