2 dogs donated to Tennessee Highway Patrol for K-9 units

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Highway Patrol says it has received a donation of two dogs for its K-9 drug detection units.

Highway patrol officials say Nashville K-9 LLC donated a Dutch shepherd named “Duke” and a German shepherd named Pito, at no cost to taxpayers.

The dogs will be assigned to a handler and the team will undergo 10 weeks of training, specifically in drug detection.

The highway patrol says it has 34 K-9 certified units working in the state.

Officials said the estimated value of the dogs is $18,000. According to its web site, Nashville K-9 trains dogs for police work, search and rescue, and personal protection.