[SA People and Dog News] Western Cape: A dog is commonly known as man’s best friend... but to Sergeant Marius Claassens from the West Coast K8 Unit, based in Saldanha Bay, his ’paw enforcement’ partner, Alex, is his partner and so much more.According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Alex – a Belgian Malinois – has been Marius’ “eyes and ears, his protector and companion, in light and in darkness, whether he is chasing criminals and apprehending suspects, or running on the beach.”
Sadly, as energetic as Alex is, SAPS says he is “slowly fading”. The patrol dog is now 11-years-old… which equates to 77-years-old in human years.
Marius and his patrol dog have been partners for many years and have shared “moments of success, love and joy” but unfortunately Alex is now suffering from ill health – he has back and hip problems for his years of service… and so, he has come to the end of his career with his partner in blue.