Lawler Elementary--The Lawler ESS group were treated to a visitor the week before school let out for the holidays. The Grayson County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit stopped by the school to introduce the children to Bojar.

Bojar is a six year old German Shepard that serves our sheriff's department in patrols, drug searches and tracking stolen articles. Another service Bojar provides is protection to the officers, especially his handler, Officer Ernie Steff.

ESS students were all eyes and ears while Officer Steff talked about all the things Bojar can do to help keep our county safe. Steff warned the children that Bojar is not a pet and not allowed in the house as a pet.

He is a working dog. Bojar loves to work and wants to do it all the time. Upon entering the school Bojar had his nose to the floor ready to start his search but of course it was the students searching for information and not Bojar.

The students had many questions about Bojar for Officer Steff to answer.

STUDENTS: How much does Bojar weigh?

OFFICER STEFF: Bojar weighs around 86 pounds and when he is running after a suspect he can knock down anyone weighing up to 250 pounds. He's a very strong dog.

STUDENTS: How fast can Bojar run?

STEFF: He can run up to 30 mph. A human can't outrun him if they are trying to get away.

Bojar was very excited about his visit with the students and could hardly sit still.

STUDENTS: What are those words you are using?

STEFF: Bojar was trained in Germany so he understands German better than English. I had to learn German to be able to talk to Bojar. I'm telling him to sit and lay and stay.

STUDENTS: What does the name "Bojar" mean?

STEFF: We haven't learned that yet but if anyone does know the Sheriff's Office would be interested in finding out too.

When Bojar is searching for drugs he receives a reward after finding them. The reward is Bojar's absolute favorite toy, a tennis ball. Bojar loves his tennis ball and would choose to play with it over eating supper. . . what kid wouldn't?

STUDENTS: Can Bojar swim?

STEFF: Yes, Bojar and most all dogs can swim.

STUDENTS: Would Bojar chew on a body bone?

STEFF: No, Bojar is never allowed off the leash when trying to search for a missing child or even a body and he wouldn't be allowed to get very close.

STUDENTS: What if Bojar finds a girlfriend?

STEFF: Well, I don't know what happens then.