Dogs on Duty: Agencies Mark National Dog Day

National Dog Day brought out some familiar four-legged faces across southern New Mexico and beyond this week, as local and federal agencies used the occasion to recognize working dogs — and remind residents that some dogs are perfectly happy spending the day playing in the dunes.

The Las Cruces Police Department marked the occasion by recognizing the trained K9s that work alongside its officers, describing the dogs as some of the toughest members of the department’s team.

Screenshot images courtesy Las Cruces Police (via Facebook)

Down the road, the Sunland Park Police Department put a name and face to its celebration: K9 Simi, who serves alongside Sgt. Duran.

Photos Courtesy Sunland Park Police Department (via Facebook)

“Today, we celebrate his dedication, hard work, and the joy he brings to our department,” SPPD wrote in its National Dog Day message.

Image Courtesy U.S. Marshals Service (via Facebook)

The U.S. Marshals Service also joined the observance, offering a salute to the K9s serving with the federal agency.

A Different Kind of Detection

Not every working dog recognized this week carries a law-enforcement badge.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture highlighted dogs trained for the highly specialized job of detecting New World screwworm.

Photo Courtesy USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (via Facebook)

The dogs are trained at USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia and deployed with canine teams at the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona, where they work alongside USDA veterinarians inspecting livestock for signs of New World screwworm.

Unlike general-purpose detector or law-enforcement dogs, these dogs are trained specifically for screwworm detection. USDA said the canine teams provide another layer of protection for livestock as cattle trade resumes.

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B.A.R.K. Rangers at White Sands

At White Sands National Park, National Dog Day belonged to visitors as well as working dogs.

Dogs are permitted throughout White Sands provided they remain on a leash no longer than six feet, making the park an unusually accommodating destination for visitors traveling with pets.

Images Courtesy National Park Service (via White Sands National Park Facebook)

The National Park Service used the occasion to remind visitors of its four B.A.R.K. Ranger principles: bag your pet’s waste, always leash your pet, respect wildlife and know where you can go.

Keeping dogs leashed helps protect pets while they explore unfamiliar surroundings, while cleaning up waste helps prevent the spread of disease among pets and wildlife. Keeping pets quiet and under control can also reduce disturbances to wildlife and other visitors.

Dogs visiting White Sands can even make their relationship with the National Park Service somewhat more official. Visitors can ask at the visitor center about having their pets sworn in as White Sands B.A.R.K. Rangers.

Learn more about the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program