How exactly does one swear in a dog?

Does he raise his right paw? Does the city clerk tell him, “Bark after me”? Will there be a reception? What will be served? Pig ears and faux bacon treats?

Johns Creek on Monday had two canine recruits, Nico and Dano, take the oath of office so they would be legally sworn police officers, empowered to make arrests and detain people. As sworn officers, evidence they find is admissible in court. Smacking a police dog is akin to taking a poke at a two-legged officer.

The swearing-in culminates 18 months of training for the Czech-born German shepherds. Each dog learned to sniff out drugs, run down bad guys and check out dark, scary buildings ahead of his partner. The actual ceremony was rather traditional. Officers in black military gear held up their right hands in City Council chambers and repeated the oaths while the dogs sat obediently and panted.

As the City Council and audience clapped, Clerk Joan Jones approached Cpl. J.A. Zebley with a copy of the oath of office. Newly minted Officer Dano gave a low growl. Jones beat a hasty retreat.