Sniffer dogs to enjoy retirement with families  

上海摩天樓搜爆犬榮休 市民爭相領養

Shanghai (ECNS) -- A local couple in Shanghai was entrusted by the Shanghai World Financial Center to adopt one of the building's retired sniffer dogs on Tuesday.

The explosive detection dog named Mao Mao is an 8-year-old golden retriever. Over the past two years, it patrolled the 492-meter building - the world's third tallest -- to ensure no explosives or other dangerous materials were brought into the structure.

Besides Mao Mao, three other domesticated dogs 6 to 8 years old were adopted by local families as they reached retirement age.

Unlike the other three dogs, Mao Mao's adoption was open to the public through an application process.

To make sure the animals can enjoy their retirement in comfort, building managers decided to seek out suitable local residents to adopt them.

More than 30 households applied to adopt Mao Mao, though only three applicants met the criteria.

The building managers finally handed Mao Mao's leash to a couple surnamed Ni.

"We once owned a golden retriever, which has since passed away, so we have a lot of experience raising the breed and know its habits well. After hearing about the adoption, we even held a family meeting to decide whether we should apply to adopt her," said Mrs. Ni.