EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but some are more than just a fluffy companion.

One dog is doing some unique work for Michigan State University (MSU) to help the bee population.

Maple is a 9-year-old springer spaniel who spent seven years working as a police dog.

After suffering an injury on the job, Maple’s handler said she needed something else to keep her busy.

“She’s a very over-the-top, enthusiastic, sometimes hard-to-live-with dog because of her energy level,” said Sue Stejskal, Maple’s handler.

Maple has a unique skill set that she is now utilizing to assist MSU researchers in identifying bacteria in bee colonies.

“The target disease that we’re starting in is the American foulbrood. This particular bacteria harms the brood, which is the young

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