What should the Mounties name their next puppies

By: Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, Estevan Mercury

How much is that doggie in the window? More importantly, what should we name it?

The RCMP is looking for help to name its next police service dogs.

The Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta, is asking young Canadians to suggest names for 13 German shepherd puppies that will be born at the Centre in 2021. The Centre is apart of the RCMP Depot Division, based in Regina.

Children are encouraged to be original and imaginative in finding names that will serve these puppies well in their careers with Canada’s national police force.

When thinking of names, the Mounties note it is important to keep in mind that these are working police dogs, not pets. Winning names will be chosen by the PDSTC staff. A draw will determine the winning entry in the event of multiple submissions of the same puppy name.

Although there can be only 13 winners, names not selected for the contest will be considered for other puppies born during the year.

The 13 children whose names are selected will each receive a laminated 8×10-inch photo of the pup they name, a plush dog named Justice and an RCMP water bottle.

There are several rules in naming these pooches. Names must begin with the letter “P.” Names must have no more than 9 letters and must be one or two syllables. Contestants must live in Canada and be four to 14 years old. Only one entry per child will be eligible. Finally, entries must be received by March 18, 2021.

To enter the contest, go online to https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/depot/name-the-puppy-contest.

The RCMP no longer accepts entries sent through the mail. However, they do love receiving drawings and paintings. This can be done online. After entering online, children have the option to email their artwork to the Police Dog Service Training Centre at puppy-chiot@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

All contest entries must be submitted online. They cannot accept contest entries by email.

Contest winners and the winning names will be announced on April 28, 2021, on the RCMP website and social media.