New police dogs prepare to take on criminals

The addition of new members to any police department is good news for any community that likes law and order, and that includes Cape Girardeau.

But the two newest members of the city's police force prompt a little more curiosity than usual.

First, they have a total of eight legs. Second, they mostly speak German. And third, they came after lots of youngsters worked to get them here.

They're Bolo and Toben, German shepherds trained in tracking, defense, criminal apprehension, building and area searches, narcotics searches and obedience. They replace Jupp, a much-loved, longtime member of the force who recently had to retire due to arthritis.

While the addition of Bolo and Toben no doubt will mean good things for residents in the future, it's how they got here that gives us the most hope.

When the news came out that Jupp had to retire and there was no money to replace him, the children of the community stepped forward. The "Pay for the Pup" fund-raising campaign through the Southeast Missourian Jr. raised $18,074.88 to pay for the dogs. Among the many donors was 11-year-old Ashten Howard of Jackson, Mo., who gave $100 instead of having a birthday party in March.

With two good dogs in training and these kind of children growing into adulthood, Cape Girardeau's future looks bright indeed.