Old Warriors

[ladylaw203]

My old patrol/narc dog has started going south on me the last few days:-( He turned 13 August 1. I have had him 3 years. A small agency in Texas contacted me 3years ago. This Dutchie had served them well with many tracks ending in arrests and an evidence room full of dope. The agency was doing away with their unit and if I would not take the dog,he would be put to sleep. He was already at the vet.....
I did not care what the dog looked like I was not going to allow this old warrior to end his career like that so I picked him up. He was OFA excellent at 25 months. He was still rocking so I put him to work. Up until a few months ago, he was still finding dope and searching ships with myself and Customs at my port. However, years had taken a toll and climbing the gangway was getting hard on him. His eyesight was not so great and he would run into things searching. The heart was still willing,but the body was worn out. I retired him a few months ago. The last couple of weeks he has been losing weight. Still eating and drinking, but the last two days, he is picking at his food. Not like him. Kind of slow to get up and not barking anymore. So,I feel his time is limited. I work evenings today so if he acts as if he wants to go to work with me, I am taking him if I have to carry him. I will set up a little find for him so he can work again. One more ride,one more job,one more reward. With any luck,he will die on duty. A fitting end for a police dog.

[katieliz]

with any luck. i will hope that for him. what a touching story. bless your heart dear boy.

thank you for doing a very tough job.

[Bridget]

Bless him and bless you too.

[Amaruq]

Bless you both for your dedication to duty!

[WiscTiger]

Renee, the heart of a Warrior is so strong. Even if he doesn't die on duty, both of you will have that last find, the last time you worked together, the last of many great days (nights) together.

His memorials is that you took him on and he got to do his job and finds for the three years.

Val

[FredD]

Bless you both. Just being together says it all.....

[ladylaw203]

The old boy had fun at work. I set up a little weed for him ,he searched although a little slow,found it and alerted. He got his kong. After we played a bit,I put him in his crate and he fell asleep with his head on his kong. Brought him back home and he is tuckered out

[Amaruq]

I am glad he had fun at work!

[ladylaw203]

He did . He was tuckered out. Looking kind of rough today

[novarobin]

Originally Posted By: ladylaw203 One more ride,one more job,one more reward.

That brought tears to my eyes. Very touching. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you and he.
Our thoughts are with you both.