At approx. 1:30 am, Police Service Dog Bo was riding in the back of his handler’s police SUV as they responded to a call of a theft in Richmond, BC.  The police vehicle was involved in a collision with a civilian car near the intersection of Westminster Hwy and No.7 Rd., which sent the SUV across the road where it collided with and sheared off a utility pole.  The officer and the civilian ride-along in the police SUV and the civilian in the other car were not injured, but Bo was killed on impact.

Then, near the end of the day, at approx. 11:30 pm, Police Service Dog Bear and his handler responded to a suspected home invasion in Maple Ridge, BC.  It was while trying to apprehend one of the fleeing suspects that Bear was struck and killed by two vehicles on Lougheed Hwy.

The deaths of PSD Bo and PSD Bear weigh heavily on the hearts of all police dog handlers, and Bo and Bear’s handlers must be devastated.

Police dogs and their handlers have a very special, very strong bond.  If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you will have observed the bond when I speak of my own police dog and my feelings are echoed in the words of the other handlers I have spoken with in the last couple of days. 

To Bo and Bear’s handlers – please know your four-legged partners will not be forgotten.

The passing of one of our beloved police dogs always leaves a hole in the Vancouver Police K9 section, and in the last year, several retired dogs have passed over to Rainbow Bridge.

While most expect the dog’s handler to be devastated, many do not realize the impact these four legged officers have on the handler’s loved ones.  These dogs are not just working animals, they are an important part in the everyday lives of the entire family.

Retired PD Jake recently lost his short battle with a very aggressive form of cancer.  Not only did his handler grieve when PD Jake died, but so did his wife.  When faced with early retirement as a result of a back injury, Jake became Lori’s dog and learned to turn the title of ‘In Service Police Dog’ over to his handler’s new partner, PD Teak.  The two dogs even became buddies with one ruling the roost at home while the other continued to serve the citizens of Vancouver. 

You may wonder why I’m going on about Jake when at other times I pay only a short tribute when a police dog dies.  Well, you see, Jake was a part of my family as well.  From the time he was a seven week old ball of fluff with needle teeth to the time he was ready to train as a police dog, Jake lived with my family.  He spent his days playing with our young children, terrorizing the cat and chewing every single shrub in our garden.  He was a complete joy to have around.

He was also one hell of a police dog.

In his first year of service PD Jake was responsible for 49 arrests, with a final total of 150 arrests by the time he was forced to retire.  His will to catch bad guys never wavered, only his body’s ability to do so did.  Even then, his friendly disposition made him a favorite for dog shows, and he seemed to love the attention of a dozen little hands petting him when surrounded by children.

PD Jake – you will never be forgotten.

Jake at 8 wks

PD Raider, recently retired due to a back injury, passed away yesterday while at the Dog Squad.  It is never easy to lose one of our canine partners, particularly when the loss is sudden and unexpected. 

His name will be added to the list of those Police Service Dogs who have served their handlers, the VPD, and the citizen’s of Vancouver. 

Raider will forever be remembered as a ‘Guardian of the Night’.

RIP PD Raider

01/09/30 – 09/06/02

PSD Bronco

The Vancouver Police Department said good-bye to a loyal member yesterday.

PD Bronco retired from active police dog duty within the last few years, and lived out his life with his handler, Sgt. Greg Meyerhoff and his family.  His name will be added to list of those Police Service Dogs who served their handlers, the department, and the citizens of Vancouver.

Bronco will forever be remembered as a ‘Guardian of the Night’.

RIP PD Bronco

95/08/15 – 09/03/04

 Yesterday, Monday, February 9th, 2009, saw two handlers say good-bye to their retired partners.  PD Spiker and PD Jackal retired from active police dog duty within the last few years, and lived out their lives with their handlers and their families.  Thier names will be added to list of those Police Service Dogs who served their handlers, the department, and the citizen’s of Vancouver.

Spiker and Jackal will forever be remembered as ‘Guardians of the Night’.