The Cream Puff Lady: Police K9's....the four-legged law

St. Louis Police Department

I have always been in awe with police K9 dogs. There's just something incredibly special about these service dogs. Maybe it's because no one really can get that close to them unless you're in trouble, and that's never a good thing.

Like other service dogs, they seem to love what they do. They are beautiful, loyal, and brave.

I have had the pleasure of meeting two CMPD K9 officers when they were working on a night I was in the gift shop. Like other officers, I think they enjoy getting the broadcast that the 'Cream Puff Lady is in the gift shop', but it's not so much that the gift shop is open, than the fact that there are cream puffs on the table, and that is all right by me. They enjoy a cream puff while running out the door to another call, but they never fail to stop by to say 'thanks' before they leave, and that always makes me feel good. I have yet to meet their four-legged partner, but I hope I can some day.

This post is dedicated to all police K9s who always have their 2-legged partner's back. I have chosen a few stories that I have followed over the past few years that just seemed to elevate my respect for these beautiful animals.

HEROES in every sense of the word.

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I started following K9 Ofc. Hondo long before he passed away, because his handler, Constable Sandra Glendinning with the Vancouver Police Department, had a blog that I enjoyed reading. For a while, a picture of Constable Glendinning and Hondo hung in my cubicle at work. It just made me happy to look at it. I was moved to tears one morning when I read that Hondo had passed away. Constable Glendinning's tribute to Hondo on her blog was so beautifully written and I am happy to be able to share it with you here.

Note: No matter how often I read this, I cry my eyes out each time. Have a Kleenex ready.

Guardian of the Night

Written by Constable Sandra Glendinning with the Vancouver Police Department

Yesterday, December 31, 2012, Hondo and I went for a walk. It started as a run, but Hondo was too busy sniffing-this-and-peeing-on-that to keep up with me, so I slowed my pace and kept time with his exploring on both sides of the wooded trail.

Normally, Hondo runs alongside or slightly in front of me, but yesterday, he was like a pup with

"Which way do we go?"
Photo Credit: Ofc. Sandra Glendinning
Twitter page

renewed interest in the flora and fauna of our regular route. It was a fine day, and I did not push him to keep up, nor did I scold him for lollygagging. Eventually, I simply walked while Hondo took time to stop and smell the world. At about the halfway point, we came to a fork in the trail and I snapped a photo on my iPhone and Tweeted it with the caption "Which way do we go?" It was a special photo, as Hondo actually sat and seemed to contemplate in which direction we should turn.

Now, 24 hours later after I snapped that photo of my four-legged partner, I am left to make the journey on my own.

Hondo passed away this afternoon.

After struggling to get out of his dog house this morning, Hondo collapsed against my legs when he finally freed himself. His breathing was laboured, his gums were white, and he was suffering.

My dear, sweet dog, my faithful partner since 2005, was leaving me.

The vet who treated Hondo for the cancerous tumor on his spleen said that when the cancer came back, it would be very sudden. I would know when it was time.

Hondo was propped on his forelegs, labouring for breath. It was clear he had suffered a catastrophic setback -- he made a soft cry with every breath.

It was time.

My husband gathered the kids. I made a couple of phone calls.

Then I lay beside Hondo on his bed in front of our fireplace. He lay his head in my hands and let out a whimper. My tears fell on his fur.

My husband drove us to the vet, and other dog handlers met us en route.

Red and blue lights flashed as a convoy of K9 SUV's enveloped us in their midst to escort us for Hondo's final call.

I was with Hondo until the very end.

Eight years of companionship, service and loyalty.

Curled around his back, I cradled his head and buried my face in the thick fur around his neck. Hondo managed one last nuzzle against the palm of my hand,

Then he was gone.

Police Service Dog #0478 Hondo

March 7, 2004 – January 1, 2013

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POLICE DOGS IN ACTION AND IN TRAINING

1) K9 Ofc. 'Zeno' - All in a day's work. One more drug bust before he retires. Good boy!

2) Warning - this video is graphic and down-right scary if you asked me, but it has a happy
ending. The officer and his K9 partner go home at the end of the day.

WARNING (Graphic and down-right scary, if you asked me)