Dogs have often been referred to as man’s best friend. But for K-9 officers, they are much more.

Selma Police Department K-9 officer Sgt. Sam Miller said the dog he currently works with, Drago, is a friend, family member, and most importantly, a partner on the beat.

For the past nine months, Miller and Drago have teamed up to keep Selma’s streets safe. Already, there has been plenty of excitement.

Like groups that go through the police academy together, Miller said the eight-week training course at Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Training Center in Northport allows the officer and dog to build a strong bond. Drago, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinoise, spent as much time learning about Miller as Miller did about Drago. By the end of training, Miller said Drago was ready to become part of the family.

“You come home on the weekend and integrate the dog with your family,” he said. “He learns who your wife is and who your kids are, where he sleeps and eats and things like that.”

The training doesn’t end in Northport, Miller said. Once a week he and Drago train in Montgomery and he learns something new each time he and his partner are working in Selma.

“I learn something new every day,” he said. “It’s what I expected because they said you have to give the canine 100 percent. That’s true. You have to give them that, plus a little more time. You have to make sure your partner is taken care of. But it’s fun.”

Though Drago and Miller have only been together nine months, they have already survived a scary situation. The recent pursuit of a suspect ended with both officers finding themselves in the line of fire. Because of the bond the two have built, Miller said he was very concerned about Drago.

“They tell you that’s what these dogs are for, but when you care for the dog, bathe it and feed it, you build a bond,” he said. “He basically becomes a part of the family. He is your partner and that’s who you talk to when you are driving around.”

Seeing a K-9 officer in a dangerous situation is like any other officer, Miller said. It’s always tense until everyone pulls through.

“He’s no different than any police officer out here on the streets really,” he said. “You don’t want to see anything bad happen to any officer, whether he has two legs or four legs.”

Drago is a dual-purpose canine, which means he can track drugs and fugitives. The dogs, Miller said, are especially helpful on manhunts because they can detect things an officer can’t. If there is someone in a building, the dog can let the officers know and prevent an ambush. This skill, Miller said, is invaluable.

“When you have to do building searches, as far as safety goes, he can detect the scent of humans, which is a great enhancement and keeps us from walking into a situation blind,” he said.

At times, Miller, a 12-year veteran of the department said he watches Drago in amazement at the dog’s abilities.

“I really enjoy watching him work, especially when we do narcotics searches,” he said. “It’s exciting to watch all of the training and time you put into it pay off.”