Life can be challenging and unfair for many dogs. The most heartbreaking part is when a dog doesn’t receive the proper chance from the very beginning, leaving them at the mercy of fate.
This was the unfortunate situation for Hansel, a Pit Bull, who found himself in a dogfighting ring at just a few weeks old. To compound the tragedy, he was put on the euthanasia list along with 20 other fighting dogs when he was only seven weeks old.
Just as it seemed that despair would dictate his fate, compassionate individuals initiated a worldwide campaign, #Savethe21, aimed at saving these dogs from being euthanized. Among them were Hansel and his sister, Gretel.
This newfound hope signaled a brighter future for Hansel.
His Place Under The Sun
The organization Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary played a key role in rescuing Hansel and the other dogs, swiftly moving them to Dogs Playing for Life in Florida for evaluation and training.
While many dogs were placed in loving homes, Hansel’s journey diverged from the norm. He received specialized training from the Throw Away Dogs Project, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing unique dogs and training them to become K9 officers.
After a year there, he transitioned to a 16-week K9 academy with the Millville Fire Department in Millville, New Jersey. Tyler Van Leer, a firefighter, became his strongest supporter. From day one, he saw the potential in Hansel.
“Hansel’s hunting drive is extraordinary,” Tyler shared with GeoBeats Animals. “When searching for a working dog, you want one that won’t give up. He never stops. He’s a tank.”
Hansel exemplified this endurance at the academy, quickly mastering new abilities, which allowed him to graduate ahead of schedule.
During his training, Hansel was proficiently trained on 14 different scents. Once he had been exposed to them all, he earned his role as a K9 officer. This dog became a single-purpose arson detection K9, able to detect ignitable liquids like diesel fuel, kerosene, and gasoline.
Interestingly, Hansel was likely the first dog in New Jersey to take on this role.
“I am 100% confident that Hansel is the first pit bull arson detection dog in New Jersey,” stated Carol Skaziak, founder of Throw Away Dogs, while speaking to CNN. “My extensive research indicates that there are no other pit bull arson detection dogs in the country. I have not found any.”
This marked a remarkable achievement for Hansel, yet the best was still to unfold.
All-Favorite Pup
Continuing his dedicated spirit from the academy, Hansel embraced his new role at the Millville Fire Department in New Jersey. He approached every challenge, including the tough and perilous tasks, with unwavering dedication.
“As a fire investigator, I analyze the area of origin,” Tyler explained to GeoBeats Animals. “When certain patterns seem irregular, I deploy him.”
When Hansel detects an odor, he signals Tyler by sitting, indicating that something is present. Tyler then collects samples from the area and sends them to the New Jersey state police lab for further testing.
