The members of canine squad of Kolkata police are being pampered with cushioned cots, blankets, head covers and lukewarm drinking water in the sliding
Celsius to keep them warm and happy.
Over the past few weeks, the four-legged furries at the kennel are being given a special cushion cover on their wooden cots — each measuring 4x4 feet — along with a blanket on the cushion and one to cover their bodies.
While the one on the cushion remains on most nights, the furred members usually throw the one covering their bodies, police officers said.
“We have pulled out hooded winter coats covering their ears for those dogs who have to go on night duties,” said an officer. “The water they drink throughout the day is a mix of warm and cold.”
Out of the 48 members of the dog squad, 14 are out on training, including a dozen in Haryana and two in Odisha.
The remaining 34 squad members comprise a mix of Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Rottweiler, Belgian Malinois, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Labrador.
“The older ones, above six years of age, or the ones suffering from arthritis choose to sleep on the wooden cots. A few others get off the cots and sleep on the floor,” the officer said.
Joy, one of the two Rottweilers, will always be found sleeping on the floor when his handler arrives in the morning, said a senior officer of the squad.
Bhanu and Rani, both Golden Retrievers, usually spend the night sleeping off the blankets that are put on them as covers.
The morning exercise begins at 6.30am. The next two hours remain the best time for the members of the kennel club as they enjoy running around and performing commands from their handlers.
“This is the best season for dogs in the city. Their energy level remains high and they enjoy running around doing physical activities,” the officer said.
Since the squad members enjoy remaining warm, the mandatory swimming sessions in the afternoons have been done away with.
Even meals come loaded with chicken and egg instead of dalia or kichuri. And the dogs aren’t complaining.