K-9 Officer shows off skills at Henry County Fair

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Officer Axel dropped by the Henry County Fair for a brief skills demonstration before the Dog Show, last week.

According to Axel’s handler Deputy Scott Bell, the pair demonstrated an odor recognition exercise similar to a shell game where people wager money and try to find the pea hidden under mixed-up shells.

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“We have various numbers of boxes laid out, one of them contains narcotic odor that Axel tries to detect,” Bell said.

Once the boxes are laid out, Bell says he then runs Axel down the line until he sits down to identify the box with the contraband odor.

Axel only spent one day at the fair due to the large crowds, but he was well received.

According to one officer manning the Henry County Sheriff’s Office tent many people stopped by the following days hoping to catch a moment with Axel.

While Axel wasn’t there, a mini-Axel which people could purchase to support the upkeep of the K-9.

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“We're trying to raise money for him, specifically,” Bell explained. “All the proceeds go to his food is health care. Training equipment or if we got to go somewhere for training, it helps pay for that.”

Mini-Axel was nearly as well received as the full-sized dog, though, Bell says the Sheriff’s Office still has a few for sale.

“Stop by the Sheriff’s Office anytime we’ll help you out,” Bell said.

The plushies complete with a K-9 Axel vest and collar are $20 each and can be purchased at the Sheriff’s Office.

Taking care of Axel’s needs are important to Bell not only because Axel performs many tasks as a K-9 Officer, but Axel is also, “ … just kind of a partner. He’s always there if you need him.”

Currently, Bell says he and Axel are “just working every day and trying to get better out there.”

As they do that, Bell simply asks the public to be aware as they see him and Axel.

“If you see us out and about, don’t just approach,” he said. “We might be working or something and we don’t want the wrong person to get involved.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com