Saying goodbye to a cherished friend is never easy. But the hurt has another dimension when that friend is also your work partner, someone who's stayed by your side on a job that has its share of dangers, and who you can rely on when things are difficult.
Officer and head K9 trainer Toby Caisey of the Boston Police Department had to say goodbye to this friend and partner, a police dog named Bronson, on January 15.
Officer Caisey raised and trained Bronson since he was a 12-week-old puppy, teaching him the ropes of being a helpful and well-trained police dog.
As such, Bronson became part of the BPD's family and received the same love and respect that police officers everywhere give to their dogs.
To Officer Caisey, though, he was even more special: He was his partner. Bronson was a patrol dog, but also worked in explosives detection.
The pair served together for eight years before Bronson became suddenly ill at the age of 9. His health declined rapidly, and there was nothing to be done.
After his death, the dob was mourned by the police department and the community.
Of course, Officer Caisey felt the loss the hardest, and penned a beautiful tribute to his partner.
[H/T: The Dodo]
On January 15, Boston Police Department Officer Toby Caisey had to say farewell to Bronson, his K9 partner of eight years.
He wrote a beautiful tribute to the dog who stayed by his side that whole time.
On Sunday, January 15, 2017, I lost my K9 partner of eight years.
Boston Police K9 Bronson passed away at home after a sudden illness. I raised him as a puppy from 12 weeks old and he was by my side until he passed away at the age of 9.
Bronson was what I love to see in a police dog: high energy level, always ready to work, confident, good temperament and a bit of a punk.
He rode along side of me for countless shifts patrolling the City of Boston and I always knew that he was ready for anything we encountered.
On what would end up being our final night together, when I knew he was slipping away and he wouldn't last much longer, I spent time with him sitting in my yard with his head in my lap, just talking to him.
I can’t possibly explain all that he meant to me or how much he will be missed.
So as you go about your busy day and your dog is staring at you for a little attention or play time, take a few minutes for them.
All they want to do is please you and spend a little time with you. They won’t be here for long.
Officer Caisey is also the head K9 trainer with the BPD, and is in charge of training all new recruits for the department, like this one little guy who joined the force in August 2016.
The police department also works to educate the community about police dogs, what they do, and how important they are to keeping the city safe.
This K9, Loki, spent some time hanging out with local kids.
It's always tough when a loved one passes away, but Bronson will live on in the memories of Officer Caisey, the Boston Police Department, and the community he served.
SHARE Bronson's story to help his legacy live on!
