Being a police dog is a noble profession, but it needs extensive training and dedication. Puppies must graduate the police dog academy and be prepared to confront tough criminals in order to be a member of paw enforcement.Gavel, a six-week-old German Shepherd puppy, was one of 40 police dogs under training in Queensland, Australia, in 2016.
Gavel, who came from a “long line of pedigree dogs related to working police dogs,” [1] had a promising future. Everyone was confident that he would soon be catching criminals as a proud member of the Queensland Dog Squad.
However, things didn’t go as everyone had expected. It turned out that Gavel actually had an affinity for pats rather than patrols.Unfortunately, Gavel flunked the police academy, but he landed an even better job that let him be himself and enjoy life to the fullest.
Gavel arrived at Queensland’s Government House in April 2016 as an aspiring police dog. He was supposed to be there for a year, training to join the elite Queensland Police Service Dog Squad.Gavel was given basic obedience training and was given a formal outfit with the Queensland Police Service emblem.
But something didn’t feel quite right.Gavel, it turned out, preferred pats to patrols and enjoyed rewards.After a year at Government House, Gavel’s report card from police supervisors stated that he “did not demonstrate the necessary aptitude for a life on the front lines.”Gavel, on the other hand, had become a much-loved member of the Government House family, and happily, the Governor decided to adopt the puppy and give him a brand-new job.
Gavel was appointed as Queensland’s first Vice-Regal Dog in February 2017, after an official role was created.
Even his own contract was “pawed” by him! What a cutie!
Gavel’s responsibilities included assisting the Governor, the Honorable Paul de Jersey, in carrying out crucial constitutional, ceremonial, and community obligations such as welcoming guests, providing tours, attending formal ceremonies, and, above all, being unbelievably cute.
Gavel proudly wears his custom-made ceremonial coat with Queensland state emblems on significant occasions.
As a matter of fact, as Queensland’s official Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel outgrew four ceremonial coats. The earlier versions also featured the insignia of the Queensland Police Service.
This adorable youngster has not only captivated the hearts of everyone at Government House, but he has also demonstrated that there are various paths to achievement.It’s a lesson for all of us because sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed.
Gavel proceeded to live his best life at one of Brisbane’s most prestigious houses, proudly sporting State symbols.Gavel was not just the State’s first Vice-Regal dog, but also the main character in an illustrated children’s book that chronicles his journey of discovering his place in the world and ultimate purpose.
In late October 2021, the official Instagram account of the Governor of Queensland announced that after 40 (canine) years of service, Gavel, the German Shepherd, had officially hung up his coat and retired from service.
During his service, he received a great deal of affection not just from His Excellency and Mrs. de Jersey, but also from his handler and companion, who will continue to look after him in retirement.Gavel captivated the hearts of everyone he encountered, and while he didn’t become a police dog as predicted, he has performed admirably in his vice-regal duties.
He has done an amazing job of welcoming and putting tourists at ease. If you’re wondering if Gavel is still residing at Brisbane’s Government House estate, I’m delighted to tell you that he is.He has a well-deserved rest, complete with tons of love, goodies, and pats that he adores.