In Memory of Police Service Dog Harris

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President Hamel and Rotarian friends
 

It is with heavy heart and tear-filled eyes that I write to you about Police Service Dog Harris.  After a short battle with cancer, I had to make the decision to put Harris down on July 10.  I had him cremated and picked him up on his 12th birthday.  I will sprinkle his ashes in his favorite training area and retirement spots and keep some to be kept with me.
 

I was very fortunate to have had the experiences I did with Harris and it was the Rotary I have to thank for that.   PSD Harris worked for over 6 years serving the community.  Harris touched many people during his career, some were very thankful while others cursed his ability.  He was responsible for locating millions of dollars of illegal drugs, tracking down several persons trying to hide from the police and was by my side when the bullets were being fired in Lindsay.  He truly was a great partner, and a great friend.

 

Retirement was well deserved and enjoyed.  Harris took to retirement as quickly as he took to police work.   He even learned how to fetch the newspaper that was delivered to the end of my driveway.   The car kennel was replaced with the couch, chasing bad guys was replaced with the constant search for someone to scratch behind his ears, searching for drugs was replaced by laying under a tree in the shade.  He enjoyed rides in the car and just being with me.  He was never far from my side and he will never be far from my heart.

 

Hopefully Rotary will again sponsor a Police Service Dog.  It is only through this type of sponsorship that such a great K9 program can exist and the community served. 
 

I would like to have taken the opportunity offered to me by President Hamel to address the membership personally, however, as those of you who have had to make that dreaded decision, a letter of thanks is the best I can extend at the moment.
 

I have included a few pictures of Harris.  The next one is when he was first introducing to Rotary shortly after he was fully trained.
 

Once again, many thanks to Rotary for allowing me that life experience and giving Harris the life that he enjoyed so much.  I am forever indebted to Rotary.
 

Jeff

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