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Yingjie Wang

On February 22, Shanghai’s online star explosive sniffer dog “Raw Rice,” or Shengmi in Chinese, retired after 10 years of service.
Many people sent their congratulations and thanks via social media.
“Thank you for putting your life on the line for us,” one person wrote.
Shengmi, an 11-year-old Labrador retriever, became an internet star after the police dog unit started uploading pictures and videos of his everyday life on social media, as well as public awareness campaigns.
21st century China or 1950s America? With Beijing’s censors, it’s hard to tell
In the past 10 years, Shengmi has checked tens of thousands of bags at Shanghai subway stations. He had also been on security duty at the Shanghai Import and Export Fair and the Shanghai Marathons.
“He is a competent detection dog,” said Lu Jie, the dog’s trainer, who described Shengmi as a “good partner and comrade,” The Paper reported.
It is not an easy job. Not to mention 10 years of it, he said.

An explosive detection dog, according to Lu, should be able to recognise the smell of at least 10 different types of explosives, including black powder, and maintain good obedience.
For this reason, Shengmi must accept at least 16 hours of training per week, which included crossing obstacles, building physical strength by running, and being trained to detect scents.
But now the time for Shengmi to call it quits has arrived.
His hind legs tremble a lot as he walks, which Lu said is common in older Labrador retrievers due to genetic defects.
The problem has caused a lot of trouble for Shengmi. He seemed overwhelmed when revisiting the previous training programmes. When crossing the plank bridge, he withdrew his leg as soon as he stepped on it.

“He is already the equivalent of a 77-year-old human,” Lu said. “He is too old and needs to be properly taken care of.”
Lu said that retired police dogs are not open for adoption and will live out their lives in peace at the police dog detachment, which will arrange full-time maintenance staff to monitor their health and provide regular medical checks.
Lu walks and plays with Shengmi at a playground when he has time.
“He dedicated the first half of his life, and we will take care of him till the end,” Lu said.


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China society

Shanghai’s famous bomb sniffer dog Shengmi retires after decade-long career keeping China safe

Shanghai’s celebrity police dog Shengmi retires after 10 years of service. Photo: The Paper

Shengmi used to undergo 16 hours of training a week, including crossing obstacles, building physical strength, and being trained to detect scents. Photo: The Paper

Shengmi will receive well-deserved comfort in his remaining years. Photo: The Paper

China’s censors increasingly play the part of morality police with the conservative values of 1950s America, experts say

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China’s LGBT people are under pressure on a number of fronts as the country’s government continues with sweeping economic, social and education reforms. Photo: Handout

Despite being considered bland and non-controversial in the West, 90s sitcom Friends is treated as dangerous in China and censored due to mentions of orgasms and gay characters. Photo: Handout 

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China’s LGBT community feels it is slowly being erased from screens. Photo: Miaopai

Hong Kong art space Para Site’s director steps down after 11 years, to be replaced by Shanghai museum curator

Cosmin Costinas is stepping down as executive director and curator of Para Site, one of the city’s oldest independent contemporary art centres, after 11 years. Photo: Para Site

Billy Tang is currently senior curator at the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai. Photo: Para Site

Installation view of “Curtain”, an exhibition at Para Site and Soho House Hong Kong in 2021 co-curated by Billy Tang and Cosmin Costinas, among others. Photo: Samson Cheung Choi-sang

News

People & Culture

Trending in China


Shengmi became an internet star after the police dog unit started uploading pictures and videos of his everyday life on social media
Now it is time for the Labrador retriever, aged 77 in human years, to retire says his handler



Social media superstar sniffer dog gets a big send-off from online fans after a 10-year career inspecting bags and packages at Shanghai subway stations.


Animals

Shanghai