Dogs are intelligent and compassionate animals that people have loved for thousands of years.
Research shows that dogs were first domesticated more than 12,000 years ago.
Since then, dogs have been living with humans as friends, hunting companions and protectors.
Some special dogs have the personality and intelligence that allows them to be police dogs, also known as K-9s.
Not all breeds are suitable for his role. Typically, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Bloodhounds are the breeds that become police dogs.
A K-9 is specially trained to help their police handlers with apprehension, detection, or search and rescue.
One of these special dogs is Dexter.
Dexter is a 16-year old K-9 who retired recently from active service. He served at the Pennsbro Police Department in West Virginia for the last two years.
His handler Chief Travis Snuffer has worked with Dexter for the last 12 years.
A TikTok video showing his retirement send-off messages has gone viral and touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people.
In the video, Dexter is in the car listening to touching send-off messages from other first responders and police officers.
One message said, “Thank you, K-9 Dexter for all your hard work and making sure your handler made it home safely every evening. Enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it.”
You can see Chief Snuffer getting emotional when listening to the sweet messages for his partner Dexter.
Another said, “On behalf of the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office, we’d like to congratulate K-9 Dexter on his retirement. We thank K-9 Dexter on his retirement. We thank K-9 Dexter for all the service he has given to not only Richie County, but the other agencies he has served. We hope K-9 Dexter enjoys his retirement.”
Netizens also left heartwarming messages on the TikTok video.
“These always make me cry. Thank you Dexter for your service and protecting your partner,” one comment said.
“Thank you Dexter for all your hard work! You’re the bestest boy!” said another.
Another netizen asked what will happen to Dexter after he retires.
Britney Belt, or @kendalls.mama.1128, who posted the video, replied that Chief Snuffer is also his owner after buying him from his employer years ago. Dexter now lives at home with him.
The Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office also posted an official statement on Dexter’s retirement.
“The Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate K9 Dexter of the Pennsboro Police Department on his retirement. Dexter Chief Snuffer of the Pennsboro Police Department’s oldest K9. Dexter has been a tremendous asset to both his handler and any other officers who have needed his assistance. We are all very grateful for his service and hope he has a relaxing retirement. Chief Snuffer has made it known that he plans to give Dexter a retirement anyone would enjoy.”
We’re happy that Dexter will have a great retirement ahead of him. We thank him and Chief Snuffer for their service!
To watch Dexter listen to his retirement messages, watch the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
@kendalls.mama.1128 A small clip of Dexters final call out. He’s the oldest and hardest working drug K9 in the state of West Virginia. I love you boys! @#k9unit #k9officer #k9retiredlife #policek9 #dexter #narcoticsdetectiondog #wvpolice #k9handler #finalcallout #proudk9mama ♬ original sound – Brittney Belt
