ST PAUL, Minn. — The State Capitol can be a frazzled, stressful place, where voices raise and temperatures flare in the course of doing business that impacts the people of Minnesota.
Leave it to a dog to bring that temperature down.
On Thursday, lawmakers, political reporters and folks from all walks of life gathered in a room to celebrate Matka, a Hungarian Vizsla who has patrolled the hallways and back rooms of the Capitol campus for more than eight years as a member of the Minnesota State Patrol's K9 Corps. Matka is specially trained in detecting explosives and is also utilized off-grounds, responding to calls about suspicious or unattended bags and doing bomb sweeps.
But even when she was carrying out a very serious job, Matka was a friendly, tail-wagging presence capable of making even the most dour politico smile. Her handler says the Capitol pup has undergone thousands of hours of training in honing her craft, and is now ready for a more relaxed life on the other side.
"She's been very dedicated, she's selflessly worked hard for us for 8 and a half years," reflected her handler, Minnesota State Trooper Todd Winters. "The time has come where she just gets to be a dog now, and I think she's ready for that."
Matka was given a treat during her retirement ceremony and licked every crumb off the carpet, much to the delight of the gallery that had gathered. She then wandered the room collecting pets and ear scratches from many in the room.
Trooper Winters says Matka is officially off the job this Tuesday following the completion of the 2024 legislative session and will continue living with his family. She turns 10 in July.
As for her replacement, there is a new K9 explosives specialist waiting in the wings, a German Shorthair Pointer who will be certified in June.
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