Today, the AWESOME is in Delran Township in New Jersey. K9 Ron is definitely not your typical K-9 recruit. When people think of police dogs, they picture German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, or Bloodhounds – not Pit Bulls. Just a few months ago, Ron was only days away from being euthanized in a Minnesota shelter. But thanks to the Unbreakabull Pit Bull Rescue and K9 Protectors, a nonprofit that trains shelter dogs for police work, Ron got a second chance — and a new purpose. He trained rigorously to detect narcotics, and while some departments hesitated because of his breed, Delran PD decided to give him a shot. Patrolman Tyler Malia, Ron’s handler, admits he was initially surprised. Less than a month after graduating from the Canine Training Academy, Ron’s instincts helped a neighboring town with a narcotics search, leading to a meth bust and two arrests. He is believed to be the first pit bull to serve as a narcotics K-9 in New Jersey. Malia sums it up perfectly: “Just because he’s a rescue pit doesn’t mean anything. He’s the most lovable dog I’ve ever been around.”

and THAT’S AWESOME