Police Dogs: Man's best friend keeps the public safe

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This next story is all bark AND bite! Police dogs have been a big part of public security during the Spring Festival travel rush and holiday. Sniffer dogs, tracker dogs, patrol dogs, you can see these hero canines everywhere at train stations and at airports. Sun Tianyuan has the story.

Tigress has been in service for more than 6 years. That's about 40 years in human time. In her long long career, the four-legged officer has helped her colleagues catch 40 suspects - in dog language - bad guys.

LIANG HUA, OFFICER K9 UNIT, XI'AN RAILWAY PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICE "I have won prizes because of her distinguished performance. But she's never won a medal, I think she's far more deserving of this honor than I am."

But for Tigress, a pat-on-the-back is the best reward. The average career for a police dog usually lasts between 6 to 8 years. Tigress knows that her prime time is long overdue. But the big girl plays hard, like a gladiator marching into an arena.

LIANG HUA, OFFICER K9 UNIT, XI'AN RAILWAY PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICE "It's like the sun. It rises to the top and has the brightest moment, and it sets. So does a dog. There's nothing I can do to help her, but to find her a fit successor to keep up the good work."

Meet Grass, the new bee in the force. The Belgian Malinois has been assigned to patrol the rail road with his trainer during the busiest time of the year.

Although the tracker dog is brilliant in every way, just like his big sister, the boy might still need some time to learn the rules. And for K9s, spending time with their trainer is perhaps the happiest and most precious times of their lives. It may be a few years. But for man's best friend, it means everything. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN.