Credit – Kaohsiung Fire Department
Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network.
Dog That Flunked Out of Police Academy Becomes a Hero in Taiwan’s Earthquake Response
To be a drug-sniffing dog, you have to be impassionate, which is exactly what this golden retriever was not.
Though Roger flunked out of the Kaohsiung City police academy in Taiwan, his career in public service was not over. He has now captured the hearts of his people with his rescue efforts during Taiwan’s recent earthquake.
Striking the northern part of the island with a magnitude of 7.4, it caused a landslide in a popular national park that destroyed several buildings and claimed a dozen victims.
8-year-old Roger was quickly deployed to the area, where his exuberance and independent streak put him in good stead for locating the body of a 21-year-old victim who hadn’t been found.
Whether Chen Chih-san, captain of the rescue dog unit of the Kaohsiung Fire Department, has other dogs that assisted in the rescue efforts, only Roger captured the island nation’s hearts because of his earlier career setback and subsequent redemption arc.
“I’m not saying he was not good or that he didn’t get along with others. But the requirement for narcotic detection dogs is that they can’t be too restless and independent,” Chen said. “But (these attributes) are what we want in rescue dogs.”
These attributes were perfectly on show when he lunged for the reporter’s microphone as his handler was being interviewed by Taiwan’s official Central News Agency.
Having participated in 7 rescue organizations throughout his career, which included his being certified by the International Rescue Dog Organization in 2022, an accolade last achieved by a Taiwanese rescue dog in 2019, Roger’s retirement is fast approaching.
CNN reports that he will have a wonderful home suitable for an active, precocious dog like him. However, before he puts his paws up for his golden years, one family will have the closure of laying a loved one to rest because of his excellent nose and personality.
The good news in this story is that just because a body is not best equipped for one job doesn’t mean all jobs are out of reach. Today’s JohnKu talks about careers. I hope you have a great weekend.
Careers by John W. Howell ©2024
One job may not work,
But giving up on the rest . . .
May be a mistake.
Fiction Favorites 
Thanks for sharing this empowering and heart touching story, John! Good to have our fourlegggers as as best companions. Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. They are our best companions for sure. 😁
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Amazing that one can flunk for having too much energy and independence. Great that he found his calling.
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I guess police dogs can’t be friendly.
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Seeing Roger up on that rubble reminded me of the dogs used for the World Trade Center. Those dogs are amazing!
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I had the same feeling, GP. They were amazing.
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Beautiful account, John. Thank you. I believe all of creation emanates from Love. The good, the bad, the weak, the strong. And each beloved life has value/purpose – whether born with two legs or four. 🐶
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Beautifully said, Gwen. I have the same belief. I always gravitate to stories that seem to support that view. Thanks for your lovely comment. 😊
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I love the message in this story! You go, Roger!!!
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Yes. You go Roger. Show ’em who’s a good dog.
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Wise advice, John.
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Thank you, Steve. 😁
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Awesome! He is owning that “good boy” energy!!
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For sure. Thank you, Annette. 😁
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I could never imagine a Labrador being serious enough for drug sniffing! Best that he failed in that one so he could be put to better use. Wonderful story, John and perfect JohnKu.
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Thank you, Dale. I thought the story had legs from a lesson stand point. Glad you agree. 😁
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Absolutely! Perfect for your Friday TGIF posts!
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🤗
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The best of what we love about our faithful companions. Thanks, John!
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So true, Grant. They show us everyday why we love them. 😊
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Glad Roger found his niche and proved he could do the job. What a wonderful story. Thanks, John!
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It is Teri. So glad you agree. 😁
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Yes, indeed, John. Not being qualified for a position does not mean you’re worthless.
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For sure, Tim. Thanks.
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Awww what a sweet dog. I really liked your poem, too.
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Thank you, Kymber. 😊
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Wow! Great story. That is even a great plot that could be used over and over. Human or animal it just works.
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Yes it does. Underdog becomes top dog.
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A good like lesson for people! Thanks for this, John.
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I agree. Thanks Noelle.
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I read this story online earlier this week and loved it. I’m so glad you posted about it, John. Who’s a good boy, Roger?!
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Thank you, Lois. 😁 Arf.
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It’s all about finding your niche, John!
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I think so, Bruce. Thanks.
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Great story, John — thanks for bringing it to our attention. How cool, that the very traits that got Roger kicked out of one field brought him to the forefront of another. We can all learn something from that!
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We sure can, Debbie. Losers are those who quit trying.
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He was where he needed to be when he was needed.
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So true, Pam.
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He found his place, and may he go right on living his best life from here.
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I think you are right, Pilgrim.
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Aww, this is so precious and sweet. WAY TO GO, Roger! Many thanks, John for sharing a spot of good news with a story that brought some heartbreak to some of survivors.
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We tend to forget those who lost loved ones. Thanks, Monika.
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This is such an uplifting story John. Too jubilant, I love that. He’s a real sweetheart. Thanks for the brightener 🐂
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Thank you, Holly. It is an uplifting story.
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It brought a smile to my face!
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So glad. 😊
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Well, you have a way of brightening the day John. Thank you for that dear friend.
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Thank you for that lovely comment, Holly. 😊
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It’s so true 🐂🐂
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🤗 🐂
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Thank you for sharing this amazing and encouraging story. I’ll bet that 21 year old felt lucky that Roger flunked his drug sniffing course.
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There were kids I taught who did poorly in school who I knew would be fine in the world. Apparently, the same is true for Roger.
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Yup. Thanks, Pete.
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Yes!
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What a great story!
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I love this dog!
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Me too, Jennie. Thanks,
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😍
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What a wonderful story. Proof that talents can be used elsewhere and not to give up on dogs or people.
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That is the lesson, Darlene. Thank you.
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A lovely story, John, though rescues don’t always end happily. I’m glad Roger had his day to excel and be a hero. Goldens are jubilant for sure.
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They certainly are. Thanks, Diana.
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This is a wonderful tail!
Your JohnKu is so true, in more ways than one.
Yes, it is important to go on to find something you succeed at, if you’re failing with what you are doing. Don’t give up!
It’s also important to consider giving up doing something you are not good at, just because you got the degree and the $ is good, even though you aren’t.
I need a new doctor!
😷X 🐂🐂🐂
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Is your doctor in the degree but not good category? 🐂🐂🐂🐂
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Yes! 🐂🐂🐂🐂
Making a call tomorrow. Getting or changing a doctor is not easy here.
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Best wishes on that. 😘🤗
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😘🤗
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⭕️❌
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This was definitely a story that needed to be told and shared, John.
Well done.
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I think so too. Thanks, Robert.
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Lovely story and poem, John. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan.
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What hero Roger is. Never under-estimate one’s talents. 🙂
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Good lesson from the story, Debby.
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Absolute. 🙂
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😊
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That’s very sweet. I’m glad he found his niche. 🙂
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Indeed.
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