The police station was quiet when an elderly woman in her seventies entered confidently, leading an unusually plump reddish dog on a leash. The cheerful dog wagged its tail, bouncing slightly, looking far too energetic.
“Good morning. I need to speak to your supervisor,” she said calmly.
The officer on duty hesitated. “Ma’am, do you wish to file a report?”
“No. I have a secret to share. A very important one. Its about my dog. And possibly more.”
“Your dog?” he repeated, glancing at the excited animal, now pawing at the counter with its tongue lolling.
“Yes You see, lately, shes been how do I put this overly cheerful. Far too much.”
“Maam, if theres something wrong with your pet, the vets across the street.”
“No!” she snapped. “You dont understand. I live alone, and Im with her every day. Somethings changed. Shes not just happyshes acting like like shes on something!”
The officer frowned. “Are you suggesting your dog is using illegal substances?”
“I dont know! But I need someone to check her. I feel theres something behind this.”
An awkward silence fell. A junior officer muttered, “Sir, should we call a medic? Or social services? This woman seems unstable.”
But the seasoned sergeant simply said, “Take her to the interrogation room. Ill handle it.”
And thats when they uncovered something shocking.
Seated across from the sergeant, the woman explained as her dog pranced around.
“Lets start from the beginning. When did this behavior start?”
“About a week ago. Before, she was calmnormal for her age and size.”
“What do you feed her?”
“Only ‘CanBest’ senior formula. Same brand for years. Morning and evening, one cup each. Filtered water, no treats. We walk twice a dayby the park and the lake.”
“Are those areas patrolled?”
“Sometimes the park, but the lakes usually deserted.”
“Where do you buy the food?”
“Same local storethey even have my discount card. But the last bag was delivered. Same packaging, same flavor She went wild a few days later.”
The sergeant sent the remaining food for testing, along with her dogs bowl. Vets ran bloodwork.
Two days later, results arrivedtraces of synthetic stimulants, masked as fat-soluble additives in counterfeit packaging. The dogs blood confirmed low doses, explaining her hyperactivity.
Investigators traced the tainted stock to a warehouse distributing fake pet food laced with micro-doses of narcotics. The scheme aimed to create dependency over time, ensuring repeat buyers.
Unknowingly, the woman had uncovered a major operation12 other cases were confirmed nearby.
Stores and suppliers were raided.
The sergeant later thanked her. “Maam, you may have saved dozens of families.” He handed her an official commendation.
Her dog, now drowsy after detox, rested under the table.
“Hope she goes back to being lazy,” the woman smiled.
“Well, if notwell be watching. Just in case.”
They both laughed.