Carey schools welcome K9 Nigel

UPPER SANDUSKY — Deputy Ryan McKinnon of the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office is excited to introduce the newest member of their K9 Unit to the community, Nigel– a two-year-old Labrador and Golden Retriever mix. Nigel will serve as Carey Exempted Villiage Local Schools' service dog, joining their existing therapy dog Ruby, thanks to a partnership with Canine Companions of Santa Rosa, California. So far the community's response to the resource has been outstanding, as Nigel received a plethora of Christmas Cards, according to McKinnon. As the district's School Resource Officer (SRO), Dept. McKinnon is responsible for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff alike. A member of law enforcement since he graduated from Carey schools himself in 2003, McKinnon continued by sharing that the joy and excitement of his students is everything. In 2010, after suffering injuries in a car accident, McKinnon briefly changed careers and taught History at Calvert Catholic High School, then taught algebra in Marion before returning to his roots and becoming an SRO for Lima City Schools. In 2021, McKinnon returned to his hometown of Carey as the district's SRO. "Since I've been back, I have made it my goal to try and implement a new resource per school year," he said. Last year, McKinnon was the driving force in bringing back the D.A.R.E. program at Carey. McKinnon, who became a K9 handler just over six months ago, shared this is his first dog with the department. When asked what inspired him to become a handler, he shared a simple answer: "It was the kids." He continued by explaining that his partner, Nigel, is another resource available to help the district feel safe. About Nigel Nigel is was born in March 2022, and has been training for this moment from the minute he was born. "From California, Nigel moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he continued to train for the next 12-18 months of his life," said McKinnon. From there, Nigel was brought to New Albany, where he finished out his last few months of intensive training. "He knows over 40 commands, and will not bark inside of the facilities unless I give the command to," said McKinnon. In McKinnon's own words, Nigel is always on duty. "At the end of the day, he comes home with me, we have a routine, he is on a strict workout schedule and diet, he's basically my baby," said McKinnon. "And I love him from the minute we start our day (5 a.m.), when I have to brush his teeth" added McKinnon. Thanks to a partnership with Canine Companions, Nigel was free of charge to both the district and Sheriff's department– something McKinnon, the district and the department are very grateful for. The organization explained McKinnon, has been training dogs since 1975 and is widely recognized for their talents. "I would also like to say thank you to the Wyandot County Sheriff's Office for their food donation for Nigel, to Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic of Findlay for keeping him healthy and keeping his shots up to date, to the school district and to the village itself," said McKinnon. Nigel is at Carey five days a week and can be found with SRO McKinnon.