Officer Nate Gonzalez and police dog
Apollo, of Rocky River’s K-9 unit,
visited Ruairi Zuercher in his classroom at
Goldwood Primary School.
Ruairi Zuercher was top dog for the day on Friday, April 4. That’s because the Goldwood Primary second grader won an essay contest sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office, which oversees the issuing of dog licenses.
The annual Top Dog essay contest is open to Cuyahoga County students in grades 1-5. The students are asked to explain, in 50 words or less, why their dog or a dog they know is the “top dog.” Ruairi won in the second grade "non-dog owner" category. Ruairi’s prize for winning was a visit from Apollo, the police dog in training in Rocky River’s K-9 unit. Apollo, along with his owner, officer Nate Gonzalez, and a fellow officer, came in to Ruairi’s classroom for a visit on Friday afternoon.
Students in the classroom, led by teacher Mrs. Meagan Begg, were told a few facts about Apollo and then had the chance to ask questions. Students had thought their questions through beforehand and written them down on a notecard. Questions included “When is Apollo’s birthday?” “How high can he jump?” “Have you ever clocked his speed with the radar gun?” and “How does he know who the bad guys are?”
The officers patiently answered every question. Apollo sat quietly for awhile and played with his chew toy. Officer Gonzalez showed the kids that Apollo was as playful as any other young dog.
Ruairi is not a dog owner himself, but his neighbors have a dog that is special to Rauiri. He wrote his winning essay from the perspective of his neighbor’s dog, Max:
“Hi, I’m Max. My name would be Jack but my owners have a son named Jack. I am seven years old. For fun I go over to Ruairi’s house to get a treat. Eddie, Ruairi’s brother, plays with me sometimes. I like going on walks and when my owners go on vacation Ruari’s family takes care of me. Ruairi says I am kind and loving. I let people pet me and I definitely let people scratch my belly. I don’t bite people but sometimes when they give me a treat I nibble. I’m a good dog.”
This is the second year in a row that Mrs. Begg has had a Top Dog winner in her classroom.