The NSW Police Dog Unit has officially announced the names of five new canine recruits, as chosen by chronically ill kids from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
The seven sable German Shepherd pups, four males and three females, were born on March 1 and housed at the Menai unit.
Six of the pups will be trained as general duties dogs while one will be sent to the New Zealand Police Force Dog Unit as part of the puppy exchange program.
A list of suggested names starting with the letter ‘X’ were provided to the hospital with the kids researching the names, and voting on their favourites.
Xtreme, meaning to reach the highest degree, was chosen by Mack as he thought it was a strong name.
Mitchell chose the name Xerxes, after a king of the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia. He thinks it represents a fearless animal who will protect his handler.
Xavi was named by Claudia after the Spanish footballer, Xavier ‘Xavi’ Zernandez Creus, as she believes he will serve the community well.
Xile, meaning quick thinker, was named by Katy.
Dog Unit Commander, Superintendent Dean Smith said the involvement of the community in the puppy naming process is a long running tradition.
“It’s such a unique opportunity for a group of boys and girls going through a tough time that has resulted in newest canine recruits having meaningful names," he said.
