Police dog fired for being too friendly finds even better job

Being friendly on the job is usually seen as a positive quality in an employee. However, a police dog training for the Queensland Police Service in Brisbane, Australia was actually fired for his sociable nature.

Gavel, a German shepherd was in a 16-month training program to become a service dog for the police force.

High Expectations For Gavel’s Training

When Gavel started his training, the police force had high hopes for him.

“Gavel comes from a long line of pedigree… if the family bloodline is anything to go by, in 16 months Gavel will be tracking and catching criminals as a proud member of the Queensland Dog Squad!” a police statement at the time said, according to BBC.

Turns out Gavel did not take after his relatives. He loved meeting strangers and just didn’t have in him to be helpful in arresting hardened criminals. Rather than sniffing out the bad guys, Gavel prefers to roll over for a belly rub or go in for a cuddle.

Unfortunately, trainers let Gavel go because he “did not display the necessary aptitude for a life on the front line” the Telegraph reported.

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A New ‘Leash On Life’ For Gavel

But when one door closes, another one opens. After getting fired as a police dog, Gavel landed a new gig much more suitable for his lovable personality. He now holds the title of Vice-Regal Dog for the Governor of Queensland. Sure sounds like a promotion!

His duties include greeting visitors to Queensland’s Government House and attending official functions with Governor Paul de Jersey. He also sports a custom-made uniform featuring the state emblems of Queensland.

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Gavel had a homecoming, of sorts, when he moved back to the Government house. Governor Paul de Jersey and his wife once served as foster parents to Gavel when he was just a puppy.

“He has outgrown four ceremonial coats, undergone a career change, and brought untold joy to the lives of the governor, Mrs de Jersey, Government House staff, and the thousands of Queenslanders who have since visited the estate,” the governor’s office reported.

So far, his new employer seems pleased with Gavel’s job performance.

“We hope Gavel is with us for a long, long time into the future,” Governor de Jersey told 7 News Brisbane.