There are many constants at Highland Park High School: the never-ending line of students waiting to buy lunch in the cafeteria, the spirit stick making its rounds during pep rallies, and the unwavering energy of our Poms and Jammers teams. And then there is Sue – a different kind of staple. Our very own German Wirehaired Pointer, trained in explosive and weapons detection, who greets students with both vigilance and tail wags, and who has the whole school hoping for his speedy recovery.
Earlier this month, Sue was hospitalized after being diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a life-threatening autoimmune disease that causes the body to destroy its own red blood cells. Instead of patrolling the hallways, he began receiving intensive veterinary care, forcing the cost of his treatment to quickly add up.
K9’s are highly trained dogs used typically in law enforcement and security for detection, tracking, and protection. In recent years, they have increasingly been brought into schools as a new approach to campus safety. Within HPHS, a K9 like Sue adds an extra layer of security, as he is able to uncover firearms and ammunition that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond keeping students safe, Sue also acts as a visible deterrent to potential threats – students and visitors know that threats are more likely to be detected, which can prevent dangerous situations before they even arise.
When Sue isn’t busy sniffing down lockers or monitoring the lunchroom, he’s saving lives during high-attendance events. In October, he helped detect a man attempting to bring a concealed firearm into a Highland Park High School football game. Thanks to his training, law enforcement was able to step in quickly and safely, allowing students, staff, and guests to enjoy the game without incident. Moments like these show the real impact a single K9 can have on school safety.
Terry Joiner, Highland Park High School’s security manager speaks warmly of Sue and the role he plays on school grounds.
“Sue’s nose is far stronger than ours, and he’s trained to detect a variety of things,” Joiner said. “Even the smallest traces that we might miss, he can pick up because of his incredible sense of smell.”
But Sue is more than just a highly trained detection dog.
“Everyone knows Sue, and everyone loves him,” Joiner added. “He’s such a friendly dog and was a hit from the very beginning. He’s excellent at his job, and he’s become part of this family – truly a part of our GIANT community.”
Sue has dedicated his career to protecting our students, staff, and community and now he needs our help. This loyal, brave K9 has given so much to keep us safe; it’s time to give back.
Any donation, no matter the size, can help cover his medical care and make a real difference in his recovery. Donation jars are placed throughout the school in the library, TLC, and cafeteria. Additionally, donations can be made online using Omella for those who would prefer to contribute digitally.
Together, we can help Sue the way he’s spent his life helping us: with dedication, courage, and heart.