K-9 Bowie is once again giving the Bensalem Township K-9 Unit a strong reputation on a national scale.
Throughout his nine years of service, Bowie, with Cpl. Robert Schwarting by his side, has accomplished some impressive feats. In addition to placing first in his division on the series America’s Top Dog, which aired on A&E in 2019, Bowie has twice been recognized as the region’s Top Dog by the United States Police Canine Association.
Most recently, in early October, after qualifying at the regional trials, Bowie became the first and only Bensalem K-9 to compete in the USPCA’s Police Dog One National Trials in Baton Rogue, Louisiana, for the title of 2024 National Top Dog.
Over the course of four days, Bowie and Schwarting, assisted by Lt. Mike Schum and Sgt. Brian Cowden, were challenged in obedience, criminal apprehension and scent detection. They came in 18th place out of 67 K-9s hailing from across the country, scoring 612.85 out of a possible 640 points. Only four points put them out of the top 10.
“The National Trials, they were a last-minute opportunity,” said Schum. “It was an impromptu trip. We did it just to do it because we had the opportunity to do it. We went down with not a care in the world and just gave it our best.”
Bowie’s performance was especially impressive given the fact that he hardly practiced prior to the competition. This was due to a major health scare he experienced just a few weeks before.
On a nearly 100-degree day, the patrol dog was assisting Bensalem Police officers in catching two felons who possessed a gun and discarded it on a highway. Though he was determined to help catch the bad guys, Bowie started to seize up after being on the hunt for over an hour. Bowie was suffering from heat exhaustion, and immediately rushed to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Levittown, where he had to receive a blood transfusion.
“The first couple days, they weren’t sure if he was gonna make it,” said Schwarting. “So it’s pretty incredible that he was able to come back and do all that.”
Bowie recovered after a few days of intense care and quickly returned to work. Director of public safety Bill McVey said, “This is one tough dog that we’re really proud of.”
Plus, the two suspects were apprehended about two hours later with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Schwarting commended his K-9 partner, and also applauded the work of the unit’s other six K-9s, who he said would’ve also thrived in the National Trials.
“Bowie’s been the star because he’s been given the opportunity, but any of our dogs could’ve gone out there and done equally as well,” he stressed.
McVey added about Bensalem Township K-9 Unit, “They’re recognized now not only in the state as a premier unit, but in the country.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@donnelly.media
