Police dog Koal returns to work

Police dog Koal returns to work tomorrow night on late shift with his handler
Reuben Whalley after Koal gets a few last stitches out and a clearance from
the vet. They have both been on leave since Koal was stabbed a month ago.

"He's healed really well and the fact that we had leave arranged has meant
we've both had a good rest," says Constable Whalley. "Other than a few
problems with the cuts on his back he has healed quickly. Hopefully he'll be
back to work at 10pm on Thursday."

Koal at 6 1/2 years old is nearing retirement. Most police dogs are retired
at about seven years old on average, says Constable Whalley.

"As long as he's comfortable though we'll keep working him. It's a hard life
working in the city, especially Christchurch with all these 6 ft fences. On
an average night he might go over up to 60 fences."

Koal is known as a good tracking dog, `one of the best', especially on long
tracks. He has been one of the highest performing dogs in Canterbury over
the last few years.

Constable Reuben Whalley is currently training a new dog however he will not
be ready for a few months yet.

Constable Whalley was not injured in the incident which happened in the early
hours of 23 September 2009 in Christchurch.

Police were called to a residential address in Coppell Place, Hoon Hay, at
about 4.15 am after an intruder, armed with a knife, entered the house. He
was not known to the occupants and police were called. Inside the address
the armed intruder attacked the two police officers who had responded. One
officer received minor cuts to his leg and chest whilst police dog 'Koal'
also received cuts to his head area.

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