An energetic pooch with a love of fetch has found a new use for his energy after becoming a fully certified Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) with the Australian Army.
Cheese the Kelpie was well known to staff at Council's Animal Care Facility as a serial escape artist who could climb and jump fences of any height, finding himself back at the shelter on numerous occasions following several attempts to rehome him.
After noticing Cheese's intense prey drive and love of catching and retrieving, staff at the facility contacted Holsworthy Army Barracks in 2019 to have him assessed for his suitability as an EDD.
Cheese impressed the Army handlers and after an intensive training program, has now graduated as an EDD and is based in Darwin with his handler, Sapper Luke Saxton.
"This story is a great testament to the dedication and work of our staff who show great care for all the animals who come through our facility," Mayor George Brticevic said.
"Cheese will now be cared for and serve a great purpose protecting our soldiers and potentially saving lives," Cr Brticevic said.
The Campbelltown Animal Care Facility has several dogs currently available for adoption.
