Three search and rescue dogs in Taichung City (Tie Hsiung, Legs, and Benwan) have reached the end of their service life and now are available for adoption as they have been honorably retired. These dogs are open for adoption by employees and volunteers of city government agencies during the first phase. A graduation ceremony for search and rescue dogs was held on October 28. "This is a moment to say goodbye and a moment of blessing!" Mayor Lu emotionally expressed her gratitude to them for their hard work and saving lives during their service. She also presented certificates of appreciation to the three adopters, Jinsheng Animal Hospital and Chuankuo Animal Hospital for their help in taking care of the health of retired search and rescue dogs in the future.
One of the dog handlers choked up and expressed their reluctance to let them go, but still hoped that they would find a loving home. The handlers conveyed their deep affection for the dogs in a warm and touching atmosphere. The search and rescue dog graduation ceremony and the little dog handler experience event were held today at the Wufeng Search and Rescue Dog Kennel. Mayor Lu bowed deeply and thanked the three adopters for lovingly taking over the care of the retired dogs for the rest of their lives. Mayor Lu said that there are three search and rescue dogs in Taichung, "Tiehsiung", "Legs" and "Benwan", who have reached the end of their service years. Today, we are holding a graduation ceremony full of gratitude for their great contributions during their service. Therefore, she specially hung the bachelor's scarves symbolizing graduation for them and awarded them graduation certificates. She thanked them for their efforts and hoped that they have a happy and healthy retirement life under the care of the "adoptive parents". Mayor Lu pointed out that " Tiehsiung", "Legs" and " Benwan" were adopted by three caring pet lovers who were volunteers from school and firefighters from the Fire Bureau. Today, she bowed to the three adopters, thanked them for their love, and expressed her hoped that the new owners will continue to take good care of the retired dogs and provide them a happy second life.
In addition, Mayor Lu also expressed gratitude to Jinsheng Animal Hospital and Chuankuo Animal Hospital, which have pledged to provide comprehensive healthcare for the three retired canine friends, including providing medical services such as health examinations and heartworm medication. One of the dog handlers choked up and said that being a working dog is very hard. "They have to train and stand by with us 24-7, and that’s why it is the handler's job to ensure happiness for them for the rest of their lives." Their new parents selected after 2 months of careful survey and home visits are the final love they can give to them, hoping them live a happy life for the rest of their lives. The Fire Bureau explained that 29 people filed the request and the Bureau went through many phone interviews and home visits to evaluate factors such as the candidates’ home environment, breeding experience, and companionship time, and finally three most suitable adopters stood out.

The adopters of "Legs" and "Benwan" both work for the Fire Bureau, with "Legs" adopter being a former dog handler who had previously trained Legs and Benwan. In addition to working tirelessly day and night, he willingly devotes his vacation time to caring for retired search and rescue dogs. The adopter of "Tiehsiung" is a volunteer from Da'an Elementary School. In addition to volunteering after his usual work, this time he even showed his kindness and care to adopt a retired search and rescue dog. Director Sun Fu-You of Fire Bureau said that today's graduation ceremony means a lot, as it is not only an appreciation for what the three search and rescue dogs have done for the Bureau over the years, but also celebration that they are going to new loving homes. He hoped that they will enjoy a happy and comfortable life after retirement. In addition, the Fire Bureau organized the event of little dog handlers to improve public understanding of search and rescue dogs and start educating at childhood, allowing children for the first-hand experience of what a dog handler does and what training and efforts a search and rescue has to go through to be combat-ready in an emergency situation, as to develop love and sense of responsibility in children. Today's event was attended by Councilor Wu Chiunghua, captain of the women's propaganda brigade of the Taichung City Fire Brigade, and Councilor Lin Bi-Hsiu, captain of the women's propaganda squadron. Representatives from City Councilor Chiang He-Shu's Office also attended the event to bear witness to this special occasion.