Retirement (C&C Welcome)

[KimC]

Last week, I photographed a K9 Officer who will be retiring from duty this week after 6 years (he's 8 now). It was such a great afternoon; who could ask for more ~ a beautiful K9, a passionate handler dedicated to his K9 partner, and the handler's best friend... all just having fun. The goal was to capture the K9 participating in some of what he considered to be life's joys :-)

#1 - Playing in the river



#2 - doing bite work one last time (this is where the friend comes in)



#3 - it's all about the ball with K9 Officers - it's their reward.

[Mike Buckley]

What happens to the dogs once they are retired?

Over time, you will have a wonderful body of work about this topic. This series is a typical example. I love dogs (as a child, my family had four large dogs) and your work portrays the dogs, their handlers, and their relationships exceptionally well.

Ironically, I was bitten by a dog yesterday in a state park that allows leashed dogs. The dog was not only leashed but was on a short leash. Fortunately, the dog had vaccination tags, so I'm not concerned. Not so when I was bitten by a dog a few years ago that had no vaccination tags, though that also worked out as well as possible.

Keep up the great work!

[rpcrowe]

As always, great series! I just love #1. What a beautiful dog!

[NorthernFocus]

Awesome photography, Kim, and the commentary brought a tear to my eye. Only dog people can understand. Thanks for sharing. I hope the he lives another 6-8 years with someone who loves him.

[IzzieK]

Wonderful beautiful dog...I think he deserves his retirement. I hope his owner will not forget to exercise him as they seem to missed any activities like where he has been...Excellent photography.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[bnnrcn]

I agree with Dan that your thread and the images are very touching Kim. Will the K9 be away from his handler or will they carry on living together? Your images are very nice but because I'm a dog lover I'm actually worried about the K9's future

[KimC]

Hi Mike. Sorry to hear about your bite - glad you were not hurt.

Thanks for your comments Mike. I always come home so invigorated after spending time with them.

Most of the dogs remain with their handlers in retirement. This K9 will remain with the handler (and his wife).

What happens to the dogs once they are retired?

Over time, you will have a wonderful body of work about this topic. This series is a typical example. I love dogs (as a child, my family had four large dogs) and your work portrays the dogs, their handlers, and their relationships exceptionally well.

Ironically, I was bitten by a dog yesterday in a state park that allows leashed dogs. The dog was not only leashed but was on a short leash. Fortunately, the dog had vaccination tags, so I'm not concerned. Not so when I was bitten by a dog a few years ago that had no vaccination tags, though that also worked out as well as possible.

Keep up the great work!

[KimC]

Thank you very much Richard.

As always, great series!

[KimC]

Yes, only dog people can understand for sure. He will be remaining with his handler and it was very evident that he is adored.
In Connecticut, most the the officers that get K9s volunteer (versus being assigned one), so they tend to be dog people and have a love for them.

Thank you for your comment Dan.

Awesome photography, Kim, and the commentary brought a tear to my eye. Only dog people can understand. Thanks for sharing. I hope the he lives another 6-8 years with someone who loves him.

[KimC]

He most definitely will be staying with the handler Ozzie :-) Most of the handlers are very physically fit, so exercise is a big part of their routine. I'm sure this K9 will continue to be part of the officers exercise routine. Thanks for your comment.

Wonderful beautiful dog...I think he deserves his retirement. I hope his owner will not forget to exercise him as they seem to missed any activities like where he has been...Excellent photography.

[KimC]

Thanks for taking the time to comment John.

Nice series.

[KimC]

Thank you very much Binnur, that means a lot. Not to worry, the K9 will remain with his handler during his retirement. In CT, most K9 dogs remain with the handler and the handler's family after they complete their service. The K9s are considered true partners and treated with the respect they deserve. In addition, during the initial K9 training (in CT), if the dog doesn't like "their job", the K9 is removed from the class and will often remain with the officer as a pet. For example, one of the class instructors has 3 GSDs (1 is a police dog).

I agree with Dan that your thread and the images are very touching Kim. Will the K9 be away from his handler or will they carry on living together? Your images are very nice but because I'm a dog lover I'm actually worried about the K9's future

[bnnrcn]

Thanks for explaining Kim , I feel relieved now

Thank you very much Binnur, that means a lot. Not to worry, the K9 will remain with his handler during his retirement. In CT, most K9 dogs remain with the handler and the handler's family after they complete their service. The K9s are considered true partners and treated with the respect they deserve. In addition, during the initial K9 training (in CT), if the dog doesn't like "their job", the K9 is removed from the class and will often remain with the officer as a pet. For example, one of the class instructors has 3 GSDs (1 is a police dog).

[Rebel]

Great shots Kim, I havent read all the thread but it looks like the light was harsh. I know from experience black animals are really had to shoot in harsh light - and you've done amazing with these

[KimC]

Thanks for your comment Matt. Yes, harsh it was - thankfully I found a spot with some soft light to make a portrait of the K9 and his handler.

Great shots Kim, I havent read all the thread but it looks like the light was harsh. I know from experience black animals are really had to shoot in harsh light - and you've done amazing with these