The NSW Police Dog Unit has officially announced the names of 12 new canine recruits, as chosen by sick kids from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW Police say.
The nine male and three female Belgian Malinois – from the ‘Y’ litter – were born on Thursday 8 February 2018 to mum ‘Lola’ and dad ‘Kwint’.
They are the first litter of Belgian Malinois born into the Force.
Following a public call out for suggestions on Facebook, a list of names starting with the letter ‘Y’ was provided to the hospital for the kids to make the final decisions.
Dog Unit Commander, Acting Superintendent Toby Lindsay says the involvement of the community in the puppy naming process is a long running tradition.
"We were excited to see nearly 5000 name suggestions on Facebook and are really pleased to involve the Children’s Hospital at Westmead for the third time to help with the naming of the puppies," A/Supt Lindsay said.
"It’s such a unique opportunity for a group of boys and girls going through a tough time that has resulted in meaningful names for our newest puppies."
Yogi was named by Azeem because it is short to say.
Joy chose the name Yoda, because he loves Star Wars movie and he thinks it represents a powerful and strong animal.
Yin was named by Nikita, as she believes the name is honourable and pure.
Yule was named by Lorelai because it’s a great name.
Angela named Yoko because there was a strong and brave girl who died in the Hiroshima bombs.
Two children – Alisha and Isabella – chose the name Yoyo because they think the dogs will go up and down when they are working.
Yasha, meaning "to live" was chosen by Sandra.
Yazza was chosen by Munty because it’s a good Aussie name.
Robert chose the name Yap because it’s cute.
Yoshi was named by Chase because of the Mario cart character who he thinks is really fast.
Jai chose Yang because of the Yin and Yang connotation.
Yetta was chosen by Joshua because he believes it sounds like a brave dog who has a good sense of smell. He has been donated to the Queensland Police Service.
Dog Unit Patron Andrea Fuller said partnering with the Children’s Hospital at Westmead is a proud tradition.
"These kids are going through something really tough and this is just a little bit of joy we can help bring them to put a smile on their faces," Mrs Fuller said.
Director of Community Relations and Marketing at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Gilly Paxton, said they are grateful to the NSW Police Force for including their patients.
"The chance for our patients to name the Y litter of puppies is so special and a memory they will treasure for many years to come," Ms Paxton said.
"Being in hospital can be tough and a visit like this really helps to brighten the day of our patients."
The 10-week old pups will be fostered out to specialised foster carers and begin training soon to become either general purpose or detection police dogs.
The NSW Police Force Dog Unit was formed in 1932, but disbanded in 1954 before commencing modern day operations in 1979 and currently forms part of the NSW Police Transport and Public Safety Command.
The Dog Unit’s breeding program has been running since 2004, and has bred 28 litters of German Shepherd pups, two litters of Labrador pups, two litters of English Springer Spaniels, and one litter of Belgian Malinois.
