LAMAR COUNTY, GA - Arete Canine, an internationally recognized K-9 training business, is seeking approval to open a facility in Monroe County.
Arete Canine is currently based in Lamar County and trains police dogs that support local law enforcement agencies as well as creates opportunities for veterans, 13WMAZ reported. The company is proposing to operate its new facility at 3901 High Falls Road.
On Monday, August 24, the Monroe County Planning and Zoning Committee approved the company's request. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider the proposal on Tuesday, September 1, and will have the final say on whether the facility can move forward.
The company trains K-9s for law enforcement agencies across the country. Its training includes basic obedience and directional commands as well as specialized training for narcotics detection, explosive detection, and apprehension situations.
President of Arete Canine, Joey Leigh, said the proposed Monroe County location could pair veterans interested in law enforcement with trained dogs before they join a department. "What we’re doing, especially at this location, would be to have people that have left the military and are now looking for that next occupation,” Leigh said. “So if that’s police or law enforcement, we can pair them with a dog to then go to their department with them."
He said Arete Canine wants to work closely with agencies in Monroe County and surrounding communities, saying that the company would make its trainers and dogs available to provide assistance when nearby departments need it.
"If Monroe County was to contact us and need any help whatsoever with any of our dogs, it’s an open-door policy for us,” Leigh said. “Anything we can do to help you, we’re there to help you." The business also plans to invite community members to observe aspects of its work, which could include students completing senior projects or others interested in learning how working dogs are trained.
"We invite kids to come and watch and do what we do,” Leigh said. “It’s a great opportunity for them." Leigh went on to say that some dogs trained by the company are assigned to the White House.
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