Homeless Dog to Join State Patrol
Wisconsin Humane Society Canine Selected for Narcotics Training

MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Humane Society is thrilled to announce the acceptance of one of the shelter dogs into the State Patrol for drug detection work. Mater, a 1.5-year-old black Labrador Retriever, was chosen for training after passing aptitude and medical tests.

Glen Bishop, U.S. Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Certified Canine Trainer, recently contacted WHS about his quest to find a dog to work in law enforcement. Natalie Zielinski, the behavior program manager, suspected that Mater might excel in this line of work. Curious, exuberant, confident, highly motivated and eager to learn, Mater fit the ideal profile.

“We have assisted law enforcement in finding good matches for their program in the past,” Zielinski said. “For the right dog, this is an outstanding opportunity. I can’t imagine a better placement for a dog like Mater, who really needs a job, in addition to a loving guardian. We’re so excited for him.”

Mater will begin several weeks of training before he’s considered an official State Patrol dog, and he will live as a companion with his new trainer.

Like all dogs available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society, Mater was neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and tested for heartworm disease.

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Photo/Interview Opportunity: Mater will be available for filming and interviews at the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, on Thursday, June 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Available for interview will be:

• Glen Bishop, U.S. Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Certified Canine Trainer
• Natalie Zielinski, Behavior Program Manager, Wisconsin Humane Society