At the completion of six weeks at the Arkansas K9 training center, Dillon and I certified as a team in detecting four major categories of narcotics. Dillon was eighteen months old. By this time we were the very best of buddies.
We rode together for eight and a half years, wearing out several patrol units. Adventure after adventure unraveled for us over the years.
One dangerously cold night during a manhunt after a jail break, we nearly drowned while crossing a log jam. We took care of each other.
When Dillon retired, I still had to work for several years. After I retired, Dillon traveled thousands of miles with us as we workamped around the USA.
However It was at the Lake that Dillon discovered boat riding and cat fishing. Dillon really knew how to kick back at the lake.
Manhunts, drug raids and getting ran over on the highway didn’t get him. The projected life span of most working dogs seems to work out at around ten years. At ten years of age Dillon went home with us, and retired from life as a working dog.
We buried my buddy today. Dillon was a few months over seventeen years of age, when he passed away in his sleep.
8 comments:
oh, my deepest condolences! my thoughts are with you.
Larry,
I'm so sorry for your loss of your dear friend, Dillon. Both of you were fortunate to have spent these many years together. The love between you both was tangible.
I'll never forget the cold, rainy night he helped us search for Oscar in the Rockies.
MY thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
Pete
Oh, Larry, we are so very sorry to hear about Dillon.
Ah, Larry, sorry for your loss. I know how much you're going to miss him. At least he died peacefully in familiar territory & you didn't have to make the choice to help him. Are you thinking of getting another dog as company for Poco?
You have my deepest sympathy. I know that Dillion was much loved. I am glad he died so peacefully.
Dear Larry and Betty... we are so sorry about the loss of Dillon! What a blessing he passed over in sleep and in his own bed! Chuck and I loved the connection you had with Dillon, he was your right hand and sometimes the left one too! Please accept our condolences and our prayers and know most of all how much we love you and Betty!
Geri and Chuck
Sorry to hear of the loss of your good buddy.
An Arkies Musings
Very sorry to read about your faithful friend passing away. My condolences to you and Betty.
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