GOWANDA, NY — Students in Ms. Klink’s class received a unique, hands-on lesson in biology and community service yesterday when New York State Trooper Adam Moen and his K9 partner, Dober, visited the classroom. The visit highlighted the incredible power of service dogs and the specialized roles they play in public safety.
Trooper Moen, a former veterinary technician, shared his journey of working with Dober, a 95-pound trailing specialist. The duo recently completed an intensive eight-week certification program at a specialized 10,000-square-foot facility, where both handler and dog earned their credentials to serve the community.
A Nose for Science
The presentation dove deep into the biological marvel of the trailing dog. While the average human has roughly 5 million scent receptors, Dober possesses a staggering 300 million. Trooper Moen explained that Dober doesn’t just “smell” in the traditional sense; he tracks “skin rafts”—microscopic dead skin cells that every human sheds constantly.
Students were fascinated to learn how Dober’s physical traits are perfectly evolved for this task:
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The Ears: His long, sweeping ears act like fans, wafting scent particles from the ground directly toward his nose.
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The “Saddle”: His loose, wrinkled skin helps trap those scent particles near his face as he works.
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The Reset: Trooper Moen described how Dober will occasionally stop and shake to clear his coat of old “skin rafts,” essentially resetting his biological “data” before continuing a trail.
A Legacy of Honor
Beyond the science, the visit carried a message of remembrance. In keeping with State Police tradition, Dober is named in honor of Trooper Kevin P. Dobson, a 14-year veteran of the New York State Police who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2011. By carrying this name, Dober serves as a living tribute to Trooper Dobson’s legacy of protection and service.
Service in Action
The session concluded with a demonstration of Dober’s “work mode.” Trooper Moen showed the class the specific harness Dober wears only when he is on duty. The moment that harness is equipped, Dober’s demeanor shifts; he knows it is time to focus and begin the search.
The visit provided Ms. Klink’s students with a rare look at the intersection of biology, training, and dedication that keeps our community safe.
