For the past year, all three high schools of District 204 have been using Bear, the golden retriever as a way to promote and assist in school safety. But the nine year old dog will soon be retiring. Zeus is another golden retriever around 2 years of age. He’ll be the new safety dog for all three high schools of district 204 and is trained in the same things as Bear — he can detect anything from alcohol, to illegal substances, as well as gunpowder. Until the end of the year, Bear will be accompanying Zeus on his trips to schools, to help the younger dog learn what to do and show him the reins.

  Sharon Ruff, the assistant principal and head of student services, mentioned that Zeus’ purpose was “to continue to create a positive learning environment and to keep all kids safe.” She then added that “Our goal isn’t to catch something. The goal is just to keep out building safe, and to keep illegal substances out of the building”.

  Both dogs are from ‘Interquest’, a company that provides detection canines for schools and other industries. They are in partnership with all three high schools, and detection dogs, according to Ms. Ruff, have been “extremely successful as a district” in keeping people safe.