Dogs
Officer Gives His Retiring K-9 Partner A Beautiful Send-Off
For years, this K-9 helped and protected his partner. And so, when it was time for the dog to retire, his partner wanted to give him a memorable send-off.
Rachel Shapiro
06.29.18

Faust the German Shepherd accomplished some amazing things during his eight years with the BNSF Police Department in Texas.

The talented dog worked in the Explosives Detection and Patrol Department, where he responded to tons of calls over the years. Faust has even won awards for his amazing service. In 2015, Faust and his partner, Senior Special Agent Bryan Schaffer, won second place in obedience at the National Railway Police K9 Trials. Faust also received fifth place in explosive detection.

Bryan Schaffer via Facebook
Source:
Bryan Schaffer via Facebook

Schaffer loved working with Faust, and he trusted the dog with his life. Faust has helped with hundreds of cases, including a case where a bomb threat was called into a Wal-Mart. Faust and Schaffer carefully checked the store, making sure the store was safe for all the customers and employees.

Bryan Schaffer via Facebook
Source:
Bryan Schaffer via Facebook

After eight years on the force, it was time for Faust to retire. The dog was ready to spend his golden years relaxing.

Since Faust meant so much to him, Schaffer wanted to give the dog a proper send-off into retirement.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

On the day of Faust’s retirement, Faust jumped into Schaffer’s police car like usual. He settled into the passenger’s seat, not realizing anything was different about today.

The radio crackled to life, and Faust’s ears perked up—he was used to this sound, and usually, it meant he and Schaffer were about to go to work. But this day was different. On this day, the message on the radio was about Faust.

“Faust has just completed his last shift as an explosive detection and police service K-9 after eight years and one day, and he is now officially retired. Faust, thank you for your service,” the radio dispatcher said.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

For Schaffer, this moment was bittersweet and very emotional. He wrote on his Facebook page:

“Faust, thank you for all the good you have done for the BNSF and other agencies – but mostly I thank you for getting us both home safe after every shift.”

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Even though Faust and Schaffer weren’t partners anymore, the two weren’t saying goodbye. After Faust retired, Schaffer officially adopted him. Now, the dog is living a happy, relaxing life in Schaffer’s home.

In the years since Faust has retired, he and Schaffer have done tons of fun things together. Schaffer took Faust with him on a trip to the Valdez Rocks in California. There, the two went hiking.

Bryan Schaffer via Facebook
Source:
Bryan Schaffer via Facebook

Schaffer and Faust also enjoy simply hanging out and playing at their local park together. Faust is a big fan of relaxing in the grass!

Bryan Schaffer via Facebook
Source:
Bryan Schaffer via Facebook

During his eight years as a K-9, Faust saved many lives, and he did amazing work every day. Now, Faust is enjoying a well-earned retirement with the people he loves. This brave pup is a true hero!

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