This Rescue Puppy’s Rare Skills Will Save Patients from a Deadly Lung Infection
Some dogs are born without any privileges whatsoever, but grow up to do extraordinary things. One such dog is Chilli, a rescue Labrador Retriever puppy.
Chilli’s start to life was anything but rosy. This adorable pup was born at a UK-based Rescue, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, alongside his seven littermates. Though Chilli, like many rescue pups, entered this world without a certain future, there was something uniquely outstanding about him. Staff at the rescue noticed that he was exceptionally curious about scents compared to his littermates. He’d spend most of his time sniffing out anything and everything he came across with so much focus, as though the world around him needed proper investigations. Chilli, unlike his siblings, would put his nose to work at any chance he got. (Scroll down to watch the video)
Beyond being a super sniffer, Chilli was also a fast learner and a strong-willed pup who exhibited unmatched confidence. The rescue sensed that these qualities made Chilli the perfect candidate for a higher calling, so they reached out to Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), a UK-based charity that specializes in training dogs for bio detection work.
The Beginning of Greatness
MDD didn’t hesitate to enrol Chilli in their program. Specifically, they wanted Chilli to be among the few dogs worldwide that could accurately sniff out Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), a multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen responsible for deadly lung infection in humans.
When MDD took in Chilli, he underwent thorough scent-recognition assessments to further evaluate his capabilities as a Bio Detection Dog. During this assessment period, Chilli resided in a family home with volunteer puppy socializers as guided by MDD. This move helped further hone his curiosity, confidence, discipline, and ability to adapt to new environments. as he interacted with the outside world.
Each time, Chilli impressed everyone with the way he approached the assessments with enthusiasm and focus. He’d bring his A-game during these tests, proving just how ready and capable he was for the big role.
Chilli’s journey took a much brighter turn after he passed all his assessment tests, including the recent final one. Today, this smart pup is officially undergoing training to learn how to detect the odor of this lethal pathogenic bacterium with precision and accuracy.
Chilli is now among the handful of pups globally that make up MDD’s Bio Detection Dog team. With his input, scientists & medical researchers will be able to transform the diagnosis of this dangerous type of lung infection. His role will help save countless lives through early diagnosis, and patients will benefit from less-invasive diagnostic procedures.
A Small Puppy With a Big Purpose
Chilli’s story is evidence of how one’s life can change when someone sees potential in you. The rescue recognized he was gifted from the very beginning, and instead of overlooking his abilities, gave him a chance to excel at a young age.
Chilli may have come from a humble background, but his current success proves he was indeed destined for life-saving work. The most beautiful part about this is that while Chilli has stepped into a serious role, he’s not missing out on the joys of being a puppy. Chilli is adored by his trainers, who spoil him with everything a puppy yearns for: love, play, and lots of treats.
