Bloodhound deputy added to Branch County Sheriff's Office

Branch County’s newest sheriff's deputy does not carry a gun. Last month, Sheriff John Pollack swore in 18-month-old bloodhound, Nyx.

Nyx joined the department to assist with search and rescue calls. She is a scent-specific trailing bloodhound, specially trained to help police departments on search and rescue missions.

Nyx lives with her handler Jackie Harris who also is a volunteer deputy with the department.

Harris began training Nyx when she was just eight weeks old, teaching her obedience and agility, exposing her to large crowds and teaching her to follow trails. Harris has bred and trained bloodhounds for 11 years.

Nyx's older sister, Xenia, has been with the Branch County Sheriff's Office for more than five years. She has been on more than 100 searches in the tri-state area, helping to rescue missing people.

Nyx was certified in Kentucky with Kentucky Scent Tracking Air Rescue. With this certification, Nyx was able to go on her first search for a missing person when she was only 10 months old. She located a missing woman.

“We’re thrilled to have Nyx join our department. Her skills will be a huge addition to our search and rescue teams,” Pollack said.

"Once the bloodhound passes a blind certification test, they are able to start working immediately," Harris said. "The test we normally take is an international certification test and is good for two years before a retest is needed. I have been able to help many people learn man trailing over the years as well. It takes about two years of hard work and dedication, training faithfully."

Donations to support the sheriff service dogs can be made through the Branch County Community Foundation. Designate your donation to the K-9 Program, www.brcofoundation.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: K-9 tracker Nyx added to Branch County Sheriff Office