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Police dog follows in paw prints of his father
Sunday, January 07, 2001 By The Associated Press
BETHLEHEM -- A 2-year-old dog is taking the rare paw step of becoming a Bethlehem police officer, just like his father.
The young Uke has replaced his father, Andy, Bethlehem Township Officer Lester Smith said.
"It's unique to have the son follow in the footsteps of the father," he said. "Genetics play a big part."
Only 5 percent of pups born to police dogs have what it takes to carry on the family legacy, Smith said.
He imported Andy in 1993 from Czechoslovakia, where he was born, bred and trained. Andy retired in November after serving more than seven years on the force, Smith said.
"His age was working against him. His legs aren't as sturdy anymore," Smith said.
He said Andy was recently injured in a fall on a tile floor.
Andy, who helped make 33 arrests in his career, became the proud father of a litter of seven puppies in 1999, one of which was Uke, Smith said.
Uke is a dual-purpose dog, certified in patrol and drug detection, while Andy was certified in only patrol, Smith said.
Uke excels in the area of tracking, said Smith, who issues commands to both dogs in Czech.
Andy now spends his days with Smith's wife, Claudine, their 10-month-old baby, Claire, and Claudine's German shepherd, Zelda.
"He's real laid back in the house. He's a good watch dog," Claudine Smith said.
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