What Is It - Jan/Feb 2012
What Is It?
Do you know what this object is and what it was used for?
Submit your guess and check back on February 13 to see what the answer is!
This is a:
Dog Toy "Kong"
c. 1981-1988
This rubber dog toy, known as a "kong," was used by the Canine Unit of the Lethbridge Police Force (LPF). 1980s'. A Constable in the 1980s, Bill Kaye used it in the handling of his police dog "Zorko." Said Kaye, "[The kong] bounced unpredictably and seemed like it was fun for the dog." Today, however, it is no longer used because, according to Kaye, "Some of our dogs' joint or leg problems [came] from those sudden movements and so we [went] back to a predictable ball."
Kaye's German Sheppard Zorko was one of the first dogs in the Lethbridge's Canine Unit which started in 1979. Kaye and Zorko went on to win the Canadian National Police Dog Championship in 1986.
Collection of the Galt Museum Archives P20080008007
And we have a winner!
Congratulations to Sarah Lyon, winner of our January/February what is it contest with her answer: "A very well-used black kong toy. Black is the most indestructible and best for strong chewers! Holds treats, peanut butter and is lots of fun!"
Watch for our March/April contest.
Comments (9)
nat.nelless
Topgun
Goinkforward
But the one I remember was shiny & brightly coloured.
jessandstavro
sarah.lyon
craftyash
lkirkman
DB
meadowmouse