Fawn-coloured Labrador Tyson took the stage, alongside his colleagues Max, Snowy, Milo and Browny, as cameras in the front row flashed. It was a muggy Saturday morning, and Tyson waddled forward, his tongue lolling, before he obligingly sat down as a medal was laced around his neck. “He is an extremely hardworking and intelligent canine,” the ceremony’s host informed the audience.
These five, part of the protection branch of the city police, were among the 22 dogs and their handlers honoured at the ‘Bravehearts’ programme at the Bombay Veterinary College festival — Spandan — on Saturday.
The distinguished canines came from the railways, customs, the central forces, and an animal-focused non-profit organisation. One had played a role in 26/11, another during the 2011 blasts; all had provided some or other exemplary service.
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A three-year veteran with the CISF, German Shepherd Vexa trotted up on stage as the presenter called out her achievements which included apprehending criminals and helping recover lakhs of rupees. After receiving her medal, Vexa stayed on and graciously offered a paw for a handshake when the guests on stage sought one.
Two black Labradors of the National Security Guard were next, hailed as ‘exceptionally talented’ and the ones who were ‘on the vigil day and night to keep Mumbai safe’. A loud round of applause rang out.
Along with a medal, each of the handlers was presented a hamper, as the dogs inquisitively sniffed it out. Each one contained dog food, chew sticks, shampoo, and vouchers to a dog spa.
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Intermittent barks punctuated the presentation ceremony, but for most part the dogs lolled on the strip of red carpet laid out for them in the special guests section.
‘Jimmy’, said the presenter when her turn came, ‘along with her handler ST Salvi, works hard 12 hours a day, in her quest to prevent drug smuggling across international borders’.
Jimmy and Anju, golden Labradors from the airport customs, then returned to their spot, appearing to be enjoying off duty hours, their golden brown bodies splayed on the carpet.
Volunteers scurried around with plastic bowls of water to refresh the special guests from time to time.
Goldie, Pepe, Sunshine — all golden retrievers — along with their Labrador colleague Coco came from Animal Angels Foundation, where they have worked as therapy dogs with special children and juvenile offenders. Two of the railway dogs came in deep purple vests emblazoned with their unit name. When the national anthem was played at the start, the humans in the crowd stood up. No less nationalist, so did the dogs. At the end, there was a two-minute silence in memory of martyred police dogs. The 22 serving dogs rose to their feet and observed the silence along with their human handlers.
“Every day our dogs are doing wonders,” said Lt Colonel Sanjay Borse who made an opening presentation and has worked extensively with army dogs. “They will never go wrong and they give their 100 per cent.”