An innate and indelible bond between man and canine has entwined their souls for thousands of years. Their unique connection only deepens further when human and dog work together under stress and life-or-death situations. Few relationships on this earth brim with as much affection, devotion, and trust.
Evidence abounds of the dog’s irreplaceable role in ancient human lives. Writings and drawings from ancient Turkey, Israel, Persia, China, and Egypt reveal the dog’s commission as loyal friend and companion, hunter, herder, and guardian. Even centuries ago they were given names such as “Brave One,” “Reliable,” and "Good Herdsman.”
Today, the four-legged sentinels of the K9 Corps know no limits in their loyalty and bravery, even to the extent of sacrificing themselves for their human partners or another human in distress. With a sense of smell far exceeding that of a human, our furry benevolent beings have triumphed at finding lost children and seniors; finding survivors of natural disasters; capturing criminals; sniffing out things such as narcotics, bombs, and even cancer in humans; and identifying crime scene evidence.
The poem by the Roman philosopher Cicero on the K9 Hero Police Dog Challenge Coin’s reverse captures the harmonious allegiance that exists between handler and dog. Every professional who has been blessed with a canine companion can carry a symbol of this imperishable partnership.
Minted in the USA from solid bronze, using special deep-relief coining dies, and hand finished with an antique patina for exceptional quality and detail, this coin pays tribute to the canine companions that have loved, protected, searched for, and served man for centuries.
