"You have no idea what it's like living with these guys," dog says
PITTSBURGH - One day after county police officers filed for overtime pay for caring for K9 officers in their homes, the dogs filed suit in the same U. S. District Court.
The officers complain that they are paid only a flat fee for supplies, instead of overtime for all the care the dogs require. Now the dogs claim that they deserve more compensation as well.
"People think we should be happy with food, walks, and a dog bed thrown on the floor," said Rough, a Belgian Malminois who decided to "speak" on behalf of all the dogs in the lawsuit. "But you have no idea what it's like living with those guys. Once they take their shoes off....wow. We have really sensitive noses, and a lot of us tear up immediately."
And some of the homes leave a lot to be desired as well. "I realize these guys work a lot, but gee, do a load of laundry," said Rough. "And would it kill them to run a vacuum once in a while? My handler blames me for dog hair, but he leaves a lot more crap around the house than I do."
While the dogs hope to prevail in court, they don't support the officers' lawsuit for overtime pay. "Look, sitting around watching TV and occasionally patting us on the head shouldn't really count as work," Rough says. "Even if we go outside to play fetch, I am the one doing all the running. Their lawsuit is definitely frivolous."
