What's up dog?

Matilda is my one year old narcotics detection dog, currently in training to search for cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Shes progressing incredibly well under South Australian Detection Dogs and is already working in real-world environments as part of her training. Right now, weve been focusing on school settings, where shes received fantastic feedback from staff and educators. Many have expressed how valuable it is to have a service like this available.

One that supports early intervention, education, and deterrence. The response has confirmed just how needed this work is, especially in helping to create safer spaces for young people. Matilda brings a calm, focused energy to every search, and its been incredible to see how naturally shes taken to the job. Her presence not only helps detect potential risks but also encourages important conversations about safety, wellbeing, and community responsibility.

Once fully operational, Matilda will be available for private hire to schools, community groups, businesses, and anyone looking to take a proactive approach to drug detection and prevention. Im proud to be part of something thats already having a real impact, and even prouder of the dog shes becoming.Matilda has a special way of bringing people together wherever she goes. Whether were walking through Big W, TK Maxx, Bunnings, or our local shops, she draws people in.

While shes training to be a narcotics detection dog, shes also unintentionally become a bit of a community ambassador. Were often stopped by shoppers who want to know what kind of dog she is, what shes doing, or complimenting her obedience skills. These everyday interactions spark genuine conversations about detection dog work and the role it can play in our society.

To help keep the connection going, I (her handler, Alice) carry little Matilda-themed business cards that we hand out to anyone who wants to learn more or follow her journey. People love them, its always good for a laugh, and its led to a steady stream of new supporters on Instagram under sadetectiondogs and matildaa.vizslaa. These casual outings have become more than just training opportunities, theyve turned into community engagement moments. Its amazing how many people are interested in what shes learning, and how those conversations can shift perspectives on detection dog roles. Matilda might be in training, but shes already leaving a lasting impact on the people she meets, and were only just getting started.