Butler police have added a second police dog.

Mayor Maggie Stock said this morning that the new dog, a German shepherd, cost $7,000 and was bought Jan. 11.

The city’s first police dog, Gunner, an 80-pound German shepherd, started patrolling in November.

Stock said a second police dog was part of the plan all along.

“We’d like to have two dogs so that we can always have a dog on duty on the weekend,” Stock said.

The new dog came from the Shallow Creek Kennel in Sharpsville, the same kennel that Gunner came from. Stock is not sure of the new dog’s weight, but said he is slightly smaller than Gunner.

Currently, the dog is named Blade, but Stock said she is not sure if he will keep that name.

She said the dog will begin K-9 training Feb. 8.

The new dog will have the same duties as Gunner, which include general patrolling and drug detection.

Gunner is handled by patrol Officer Brian Grooms. A different officer will handle the new dog.

Gunner and Grooms patrol the city in a modified 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, with a leather leash around Grooms’ belt and a “popper,” a remote control used to open the rear doors of the police cruiser, letting the dog exit, as well as a harness, muzzle and a long leash in the car.

A vehicle already owned by the city will be modified for Blade and his handler.

All of the money for the K-9 program comes from fundraising.

“Every penny of that is community money,” Stock said

The city in April began raising funds for the dog program. Butler business owner Denny Offstein offered the city a $10,000, interest-free loan to start the K-9 program and spearheaded the fundraising campaign.

To date, about $90,000 has been raised and the city has spent about $30,000 of that.

“I think it really speaks a lot for the community,” Stock said.

Chief Ronald Fierst could not be reached for comment this morning.

Eagle staff writer Ed Biller contributed to this report.