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Morenzone Park going to the (police) dogs
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Canine officer Robert Anderson and his partner “Hoss” are ready for this weekend’s 41st annual canine trials to be held in Morenzone Park on West Center Street at Union Road. - photo by GLENN KAHL
Manteca Police canine officers are gearing up for their 41st annual police dog trials this weekend as only the second to be held in 2011 as part of the Western States Police Canine Association.

Some 15 agencies are expected to be represented from Eureka, Redding and Carson City to Bakersfield at the Manteca competition – the second oldest in the region.

The Saturday competition begins at 8 a.m. and includes three phases for the dogs from search to obedience to detection. The detection phase is scheduled to begin following the lunch break at noon.

Five trophies will be awarded in each of the competing categories at the evening dinner where officers and their family will celebrate the event.

The public is invited to attend the daylong competition and visit the food booths that will be set up with officers and explorers barbecuing hamburgers, hot dogs and offering soft drinks to the crowd.

Canine officer Robert Anderson said the association will use the net funds they receive from competing officers to help support the Manteca canine division. They are also presenting a check to the Relay for Life in Manteca.

“We give back all we can to the community,” he said.

Sgt. Lewis Clark added his thanks to the community members who have donated toward the replacement of a police dog and toward the cost of two other dogs the department plans to put in service later this year.

Future donations will also go toward bullet-proof vests for the three remaining patrol canines that remain unprotected in the field. The two vests now being used were donated by the Western States Police Canine Association.