A Porirua pound puppy has officially graduated as an explosive detector dog.
Chevy, who was found on the streets of Porirua. Photo: Supplied.
After two years of training, Chevy the black Labrador mix dog will start work at Wellington Airport with his handler Sean Bennett on Monday.
But things haven't always looked so bright for Chevy.
He was found roaming the streets by Porirua animal control officer in February 2016, when he was about six months old.
Chevy was unregistered, hadn't been microchipped and no one came to claim him.
Animal control officer Monique Dillion said they knew he had potential, with a huge drive to play and really good recall.
"We'd hide a chew toy and he'd hunt around the pound for it and, when he found it, he'd bring it back for us to hide again," she said.
They contacted the Aviation Security Service, which was impressed and recruited Chevy for training.
The Explosives Detector Dog Unit's Monique Masoe said staff had strong relationships with animal shelters because of their shared interest, both for the dogs and the community.
After starting in 1992, the unit now has more than 30 dog teams across the four main airports.
Porirua City Councillor Kylie Wihapi, who attended Chevy's graduation ceremony, said it was really good to see one of Porirua's unwanted pups find such a positive new life.
