Labor Day celebrates the American worker, and more than a few canines qualify as such. Let’s revisit some of the working dogs — in terms of employment, not breed — we’ve written about recently and honor their contributions once again.
1. Whizz the Water Rescuer
This Newfoundland can steer up to 12 linked-together people in the water to safety. When not rescuing, he and fellow members of the Newfound Friends show off their skills throughout the U.K. to raise money for children’s charities.
2. Frehley the Conservationist Collie
Who knew the ability to find another animal’s poop had any purpose other than to gross out a pet parent? Frehley works for the Center for Conservation Biology in Washington as a scat detector, sniffing out droppings of various endangered animals. Scientists then study the scat and use the data in their efforts to aid in the survival of the disappearing species. CCB adopts from shelters across the country, taking high-energy dogs with toy obsessions. The focus makes them excellent scat sniffers. Frehley, a Border Collie, has been in his role since 2005, and has gone after weasel and salamander droppings, among others.
3. Vic and Tory the Mascots
These retired racing Greyhounds now serve as the official mascots of Eastern New Mexico University, cheering on players and meeting and greeting fans. Go, Greyhounds!
4. Bailey and Gypsy, Search-and-Rescue Spaniels
An HRD dog can find the scent of a deceased person both underground and underwater. Bailey and Gypsy, English Springer Spaniels, work with their handler, Christy Judah, as part of the Brunswick, North Carolina, Search and Rescue Team. They have helped out with homicide, missing persons, and drowning cases, as well as after natural disasters; these working dogs also can sniff out live people.
5. Momo the Executive Pug
This adorable pup serves as the Chief Pug Officer for P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle And You, a company that makes eco-friendly designer dog beds and accessories. Not simply a figurehead, Momo approves all new products before they go into production. Read more about Momo and other executive dogs.
Celebrate your own pups, whether working or not, this Labor Day holiday. After all, they do their job of bringing you joy on a daily basis without complaint, never once calling in sick or demanding a raise.
