In a heartwarming development for the Winnipeg Police Service, the K9 Unit joyfully announced the arrival of nine adorable puppies on October 12, 2023. 

The proud parents, "Arrow" and "Jury," both respected working Police Service Dogs (PSDs), have brought in a new generation of potential for the K9 Unit. 

The birth of the nine puppies, including five females and four males, was not without its challenges. Arrow, a first-time mother, underwent an emergency C-section, but under the care of Dr. Erika Anseeuw and the team at Pembina Veterinary Hospital, the slightly premature puppies were brought into the world safely. The first few days were challenging as Arrow adjusted to motherhood, and the K9 Unit members took turns helping with the care of the pups.

Constable Moreau and his wife took the entire litter into their home. Transforming a bedroom they provided around-the-clock care for the puppies. 

One of the pups faced difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight, needing the assistance of a nursing dog named Naomi, offered by her owner, Svetlana Shakov. Naomi became an instant foster mother, nurturing the struggling pup until it was strong enough to rejoin its litter-mates after two weeks.

Naomi foster mother

Now at eight weeks old, these charming puppies are all potential candidates for the Quarry program and future PSDs. The formal training, a 16-week program that can begin as early as eight months, holds the key to shaping these young canines into skilled and disciplined members of the K9 Unit.

Before beginning their formal training, the pups will experience a unique bonding period with a police member. This approach involves daily exposure to the sights and sounds of police work, with the puppies joining their caretaker to work and experiencing parts of the job from a young age. This method of training and socialization sets the Winnipeg Police Service apart, providing their PSDs with a solid foundation for success.

The arrival of the nine new K9 recruits marks a moment of celebration and anticipation for the Winnipeg Police Service. From their challenging beginnings to the training approach that lies ahead, these puppies represent the dedication and care invested in creating top-tier Police Service Dogs.