The life of a retired police work dog

Bessie, a retired New London Police work dog belonging to NLPD K9 Officer Jeffrey Nichols, adapts to family life with Nichols's family. Bessie officially retired from the NLPD on February 1st where her primary role was that of a tracking dog. Since that time Nichols has been working with, and training Bessie to transition from being a police work dog to a domestic pet.
The Day Publishing Company, established in 1881 by John A. Tibbits, publishes The Day, a daily newspaper covering a 20-town region in eastern Connecticut with a daily and Sunday readership of nearly 100,000, and www.theday.com, a website generating more than 4 million page views a month.
Connect with The Day:
Facebook: / thedayct
Twitter: / thedayct
KZbin: / thedayct
Instagram: / thedayct
Tumblr: / thedaynews
Pinterest: / thedayct

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Bessie's police report: Saw bad man Howled at bad man Took a nap End of report

[@sadnesswithasideofsalt]

Give her a promotion most hard work I’ve ever seen

[@pork_soda6]

good girl

[@AMoreRaps]

This dog does more work then the actual police do

[@jmoa5758]

"Fuk da polise" -BLM

[@yeahyee4394]

ShakespeareCafe best report ever

[@carlhicksjr8401]

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die just send me where they went." -- Will Rogers, American humorist

[@bigdaddymike5225]

Carl Hicks Jr amen

[@baronvonjo1929]

I want my pupper where ever I go. If they aren't there I'm not going.

[@isitoveryet9525]

This!!! This is exactly how I feel 😥

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Carl Hicks Jr I’m not scared of death. And one of the bonuses is that I get to meet every pet that went over the rainbow bridge before me, and then we wait there for every fur-kid who was in my life when I died. And no, that’s not accepted doctrine. And no, I don’t care. I trust it will be that way. It makes as much sense as anything else.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

@@bilindalaw-morley161 So, I'm a combat veteran. All the time I've lived since I was 23 has been bonus time. I *do* appreciate that I've lived long enough to become a better man to and for those I love. I'm looking forward to seeing my old dogs if and/or when I get there. I hope they've had a great time since. They deserve it, even if I haven't always.

[@Ninjapup402]

Bessie said “arrrooooroooo” And I really felt that.

[@thanoschips4393]

Ninjapup402 “that hit deep, deeper than any blade”

[@LokeronXAmor]

😂😂😂😂

[@AverageBrethren]

I read your comment and saw bessie sitting still and I was like shes gonna make the noise... she did.

[@anonymousbrooks8194]

Ikr. Very inspiring.

[@user-md3nv8he7x]

You're also gonna be feeling this punch soon 👊

[@dave1927p]

i wish every police dog, military dog, and service dog get a retirement like Bessie.

[@TheKkf1015]

Most of them do. Typically when they hit 5 they'll retire out and live with their handler or get adopted.

[@YaowBucketHEAD]

Agreed. I wish every dog gets a good loving home with plenty of noms. Dogs are the best.

[@christins.1481]

The problem is if the handler died and wasn't a tracker, like a German Shepard. These dogs are more likely put down because many, many people just don't have that type of experience in handling these certain types of dogs. You literally need a certain type of skill to properly care for them mentally and many people just aren't up to par on it. Liking dogs don't count. You pretty much have to be a professional trainer and more. If the handler dies, the dog is screwed.

[@Sascha42]

@@TheKkf1015 absolute wrong. What is the source of this information? The most of those dogs end up in shelters and many of them will put down because nobody wants to adopt an old dog. The next problem is that the most people can't handle and control them. That's the reality!

[@TheKkf1015]

@@Sascha42 In 2000 Robby's Law was passed in the US. Before, you're correct that the majority of police and military working dogs were put down. Now, the vast majority are adopted by their handlers. Others are adopted to civilians who go through a long waiting process and are carefully screened to make sure they're suitable. Are there those who go to shelters? Yes. That's a sad reality for many animals who's owner bit off more than they could chew. My sources for this information? Multiple military sites that either feature the adoption process, Robby's Law, and former K9 co workers who did adopt their dog after they retired.

[@believeinmatter]

“Its a chainsaw on legs” You better believe that. *get on the ground*

[@carlhicksjr8401]

It's a pretty basic instinct for us ex-monkeys. More than just fear of pain, we have an inborn requirement to *avoid the predator* at all costs.

[@enoughrope1638]

@@carlhicksjr8401 We are the predator. Wild wolf packs actually avoid humans in the wild. People seem to forget our origins but us apes are vicious monsters capable of doing tremendous damage.

[@somberflight]

@@carlhicksjr8401 We were hunter gatherers. Hunters. Predators. We ourselves are predators... many people seem to forget that.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

@@somberflight Most monkeys are scavengers, whose carnivorous diet was mostly bugs, small vermin animals, and carrion; our Australopithecene ancestors were certainly so. We *evolved* into hunter-gatherers as a result of competition, environmental changes and predation. Paleontology believes that these pressures were the impetus towards intelligence for our species. There's a lot of behaviors we Homo Sapiens exhibit that people believe are 'perfectly rational' that are actually impulse imperatives that go all the way back to our monkey troop days.

[@majorphysics3669]

@@carlhicksjr8401 Also, if your with a group of people, a predator doesn't seem so scary, I feel me and 3 friends could take down a cougar or something with our bare hands, but alone? That's a big nope. Get someone alone with a predator and it all changes.

[@greenqueen3843]

Owner: " were just trying to find a happy medium for her so she can enjoy the rest of her retirement ". *cuts to dog passed out, snoring and face in the pillow*

[@mareklindner9333]

Yeah I think she found her happy medium xD

[@IloveHirotaka]

When she snored at the end, it made me really happy that she can relax. She’s so adorable.

[@cocotaveras8975]

Gisselle Agreed!

[@Minceontoast2]

LUV YOUR MJ PHOTO

[@IloveHirotaka]

Joe mama thank youu

[@RubenGonzalez-gn6bb]

I felt that

[@cellogirl11rw55]

She is! I love hound dogs!

[@Romanticoutlaw]

she has such a big, brassy howl--no wonder some suspects just gave themselves up at the sound of her. It definitely triggers the "oh shit" part in my brain even though I love hounds

[@lyncaho4507]

🤭🤭😆👏👏👏👏 👍

[@ledguerrilla3170]

I actually find it very cute

[@Whoopdido777]

@@jakey_boss_so_cool Honestly the only time I ever hear dogs bark are little ones and when I’m not paying attention, they just startle me because their barks are so high pitched. There was one time though when my buddy brought his Great Dane over to my house. He was a very nice dog…no meanness in him at all. He was just really big. I had a small dog. An 18 lbs Tibetan Terrier. They were kind of playing around a little bit and then had a little stare down and the Great Dane let out a huge bark, again not to be mean, but he just barked. I’ll admit that it scared me a little bit and it definitely scared my dog. She tucked tail and ran away. After that, we decided that it would probably be best if the Great Dane didn’t come over again.

[@pchatt5238]

Dog: retires... Me(a person): can't even get a job

[@Hope-Truth-Light]

Don't worry man it'll all work out

[@jelma8442]

Cringe

[@HM-uu9ug]

Lol bum

[@foreverchristina1966]

Sending a prayer for you to find an amazing job with everything you’ve ever dreamed 💯✨

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

Their are plenty of jobs hiring.

[@vee1267]

“Chainsaw on legs” is the best description of a pissed-off German Shepard I’ve ever heard lol

[@madeliner1682]

Then a Malinois would be a chainsaw with legs and wings

[@cooldog8996]

Then what are you going to call a pissed of Tibetan Mastiff?

[@eliasjackson4145]

"Shes a really good homedog." Damn straight.

[@philfree7119]

Seeing her on those pillows, it look like she's found a happy place.

[@nothankyouYouTube420]

Once had a K-9 office hit me with "POLICE WITH A K-9 COME OUT OR YOU'RE GONNA GET BIT" and it was a beagle :1

[@Romanticoutlaw]

to the officer's credit, beagles *are* little assholes (and I love them, having had two, but damn if they aren't obstinate)

[@lyncaho4507]

🤭🤭😆👍

[@Taurineg]

What did you do lmao

[@DiggitySlice]

You'd be able to tell from the noise they make ;)

[@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525]

Romantic Outlaw I’ve had one, crazy smart but too smart for their own good. Tiny assholes

[@Pimpdaddysloth]

Why doesn’t he have the kid like hide toys around there property/house and then have her find them. That way she is still being active a for filling that drive to find things. Idk cute dog. Good video sorry for my lateness.

[@booty_hunter4207]

He could spend an hour hiding them all over and she would find them all in like 10 minutes. Not very good exercise for the dog either

[@NegleLir]

I use that trick with my indoor cats, and they have been retired ever since they were born. Sooo I know for a fact a retired POLICE dog wont find ANY happiness in that!!

[@coleshields9037]

booty_ hunter420 how is it not? I do these with my basset hound and it’s a good way to keep occupied, get his brain thinking. I like to think it is

[@GoldenHeartbeat]

@@NegleLir wait.. why would your experience with your cats imply that a police dog wouldn't appreciate it? Do your cats not like the game? Do they find it really easy?

[@kylem1112]

bessie girl is equipped with a nose 1000x more powerful than an average human.

[@rice6682]

Just like humans when humans retire from work they miss the routine.

[@kylem1112]

ha she looks just like ladybird from king of the hill

[@jasoniacullo1613]

kylem1112 brooo 😂

[@ziggystardragon1120]

Laaaaaaaaady Bird? ;p

[@kylem1112]

I think this is one of my most upvoted comments ever. haha Cheers to Ladybird i tell ya what.

[@seth5265]

I feel like I know you idk why 😂

[@tanyagarcia3721]

Thank you for being patient with her when she was trying to transition into home and retirement life and even well into that

[@carlokeshawn477]

Hello how are you doing????

[@tanyagarcia3721]

@@carlokeshawn477 good you

[@darrenheadrick3669]

She may be retired but you can still work her through training. Have the kids play hide and seek in the woods. Fun for the kids and Bessy still gets to work.

[@tarynkane9833]

Darren Headrick That was what I said! Hopefully he sees some of these comments!

[@victoriaroddam4997]

Darren Headrick some k9s are trained to take down a fugitive, I don’t think he wants his kids accidentally bitten 😬

[@tainapereira5809]

Shes a bloodhound theyre not trained to take them down. Shes made to track people

[@boahnation9932]

She gonna bite the fuck out of em

[@comradeurod9805]

@@boahnation9932 as stated above, I don't think bloodhounds are specifally trained for biting

[@lhenkhantus2588]

Kid: bessie girl! Bessie: WOOOOOOO!

[@jenness3346]

Lhenkhantus a little boy and his loyal dog 💙💙

[@tcmoto9172]

When u said and she knows she’s not coming crushed me 😭

[@susanwest6601]

Thank you for your service Bessie. God bless you and your family for loving her❤️👮‍♂️

[@shielaaposaga9057]

She deserves a good life after a retirement of service. I thankful that her handler adopted her.

[@carlokeshawn477]

Hello how are you doing

[@andyg2456]

So glad you showed that working dogs really do enjoy their jobs and miss it once they retire. It’s so annoying when people think I abuse my dog just because she has a job!

[@fd3s17]

shut up, im not crying!!! dogs are the best

[@theliberallady1]

abdel1988 the comment made me cry...

[@deejay4368]

Bugga..... ditto...... 😭😢

[@karenacton3854]

LOL!!

[@carlfranz6805]

I am...

[@cocotaveras8975]

abdel1988 Dogs AND CATS TOO, don't forget cats in that equation 😁😁.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

"The more people I learn about people, the more I like dogs." -- Mark Twain, American humorist; although this or something similar has been attributed to several people from about 1800 onwards.

[@Jackasses]

She's gorgeous, and a gift from the Gods. Please continue to make her feel needed.

[@onlygunnar5812]

She protecc She attacc But most importantly She take retired napp

[@JonathanLundkvist]

"Hey, Officer. If I can spent five minutes cuddling that dog, I give up. Deal?"

[@rizhrd181]

When dog retires, keep taking the dog to walk daily or bring the dog with you in buying groceries or doing errands so dog would not feel the retirement. It's like shift of duty to a lighter tasks. The dog does not know that he/she is working as K9 it's a mere training & routine of each day activities... Dog could also the guard dog at home... Retrain the dog as guard dog at home... 🥰🤜🤛💖

[@yodymendezvega5538]

The goodest girl of all the good girls 🐶

[@jeliarra]

Wouldn't want to be in a world where I could not recognize the howl of a Blood Hound. Bless our canines!

[@valdimedio5087]

She's just adorable!! Everyone need a Bessie in their lives : )

[@godloves1090]

Man's best friend that will never let you down until their last breath. Even if you pass away before them, they will always be on your side by your casket. K9 saved so many lives for our troops, police, rescue and more. Thank you for the great video.

[@iansloan4261]

So fortunate to have her as a member of the family full time now. She's a beautiful dog and she's obviously smart.

[@marycleveland540]

Would she still be able to be used as a search and rescue dog? As for the car ride, maybe taking her for a car ride after your shift will give her a new habit to look forward to.

[@scottwitkowski1298]

Mary Cleveland My cousin has a retired k9 and working k9 unit. The retiree cries when he heads to work with new dog. But she just cant work anymore with hip displaysia.... The kids still play hide and seek with her, they never win. So I bet those retired dogs could still work if they needed to.

[@ARPat2000]

Mary Cleveland they still have the senses even if they are dulled, but the physical incapabilities or health risks are what I believe retire them, dogs grow very vulnerable as they age

[@parley1994]

If she's retired it's probably because she's too old to keep up with the physical demands of the work. But playing games where she has to use some of her training would help keep her mentally stimulated.

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

Mary Cleveland that's a good idea

[@debrapowell7299]

Maybe she could hang out at the station during your workdays. Kind of a Walmart greeter!

[@chichichi998]

snoring dogs never fail to put a smile on my face :) Hope Bessie enjoys her retirement!!

[@jupitersnoot4915]

"She follows them around until they say hi to her" *my heart*

[@Dogsoverpeople]

If this was my dog growing up I’d love playing hide and go seek and losing 😂😂😂

[@shaunwhalen6653]

She is the best. I love that she snores like my departed Sopa. I miss her

[@comradeurod9805]

She's always with you shaun :)

[@rachelfajardo9640]

Did you name your dog Soup?

[@darrenheadrick3669]

Four legs or two, we all need to feel like we're serving a purpose in life.

[@vectorm4]

I have heard that it breaks the dogs heart when the police/ handler leaves for work and makes the dog stay at home.

[@jenhuffine7030]

It breaks any dogs heart when you leave the house but we come home and you have to leave the house sometimes.

[@red4253]

Emma Smith holy fucking shit your right

[@Ravencall]

I was blessed to have a bloodhound for a few years. He was eight when I adopted him and 13 when he died of Lymphoma. I loved him so much! So did my neighbors even though his big bay (not howl) would reverberate through the whole neighborhood. Such a kind, lovable dog. ❤

[@sarahkattp]

I swear retired police dogs are the sweetest creatures alive. My neighbor has his retired police dog and when I dogsit, she will make you pet her where she wants and will get upset if you ignore her 😂

[@cynthiacrocker8215]

I love that the video ends with the sound of her snoring...

[@AbbaZabbaOlyFrn]

It must have broke her heart when she realized she was no longer going on adventures catching bad guys and saving people with her human 😭

[@tillytilford2158]

Bless you young lady and thank you so much for your service. Enjoy retirement, you've earned it.

[@sarahp8937]

Added to my recommend two years later. No complaints here Bessie you beautiful baby.

[@sophieandwayne]

Well as a dog handler I am so pleased you preserved and ultimately kept her. I do have labradors but I know the routine you are saying about, it’s their world! But it was you that socialised a 4yr old which is sometimes impossible but you did it.

[@SaltySirenFloriduh]

2 seconds in and I already want to hug her😭🥰

[@stacieherndon269]

The family shows her so much love,she will be fine.playing in the woods looking for the kids was a good idea 👍

[@chrissoto7187]

Had a basset who would use his sniffer to steal food he still has a mug shot on the air force base we used to live on. He broke into a construction site and stole a I’m guessing the foreman’s lunch since when he was found out everyone stopped what they where doing to try and catch him. No one did but it didn’t take the MPs long to figure out who did it😅

[@standardcake18]

I like that the early police dogs were bloodhounds. Today’s police dogs are now huskies.

[@laur83]

we must protect bessie at all costs

[@rebeccago158]

Love to hear you’re dogs snoring good sounds

[@inekev6566]

All this dogs need a loving warm home

[@FlyingSeaMan256]

Her snoring just rounded off my whole week. Thank you for your service, both of you!

[@incognitomode3306]

That's a hero finally experiencing family.

[@InhaleTheCEO]

*“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” - Josh Billings*

[@carlrest6553]

Glad she's transitioning well. My suggestion is to take her out on trails so she can track and do what she was trained for. She's retired, not dead. Beautiful dog by the way.

[@frankchary9717]

First class retirement that dog is getting. The K9 earned every bit of it!😊❤😊❤

[@megacuck537]

Now she is a precious pup and needs all the love and attention good pupper

[@lisabolo26]

The Snoring at the end is so cute!

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

What a sweet girl

[@hellothere9318]

Her 😴💤💤💤💤💤snoring at the end 😊

[@jenniemoon974]

Happy retirement doggo. 😘

[@sickomode611]

God bless Bessie! I hope she is doing well and safe! Enjoy your retirement Bessie! You sure earned it!

[@sheenawinfrey3133]

Thank you Officer Bessie for your service

[@petranilla14]

Her snoring is EVERYTHING !!!!! She tired !!!

[@cecorra]

I rescue and foster bloodhounds. This was awesome. Glad she is going to have a great retirement. Too many of them don't.

[@kristenmoody4635]

Is everyone who binge watches live pd getting recommended this video?

[@thomasrobertson8109]

God bless you Brother and pet.

[@thomascampbell350]

That little boy loves this dog

[@sarahcavanaugh572]

I thank you service and community too and police dog really sweet dog

[@Marber656]

All k9, militaire, service dogs should be taken care of they deserve that, Just as veterans deserve it, so TAKE CARE OF ALL

[@doiu92]

_My dog's old, and she acts like a lot like Bessy. Her eyes look sad since her skin is saggy, she makes more slow movements, and she sleeps more often. At first I thought it was because my dog didn't like me. Which is kind of dumb because I had her for 11 years, she's about 14 or 15. Then I realized it's because she is old, she's still kinda hyper, and she runs around sometimes, but not like before. It's sad because I really see a difference, she doesn't run back a forth a lot when we come home, she doesn't run back up and down the stairs, she just stays in her bed most of the time. I don't want to see her go, but I know I will have to be ready soon, I love her with all my heart._

[@nicolepurcell157]

Oh that howl when she see's her brother!

[@alyssanicole8559]

The snooring at the end 😍😍😍😍

[@ricechido1089]

My rottie is a retired service dog who worked in mexico and was trained by my uncles who are sergeants. Eventually was passed to look after and emotional support for my gramps until he died. The dog was passed on to me since no one wanted him but I did.

[@bhmcrumbs1348]

Dog's snore... best sound ever 🐾

[@zgrillo2004]

God bless you sir and the dog for your service. Greetings from central new york.

[@deebo5475]

So sweet....thank you two for your service....God bless...💖

[@rochelle123ist]

Bessie is a good girl! Thank you for your service Bessie.

[@tarncoleman7854]

Your an amazing man for letting her retire with you thank you sooo much 🙏

[@lauramahnken5549]

You are a great partner to your canine and a great dog dad... She is going thru a life change, thank you for standing by her. Many cannot handle the difficulties that come with a working dog retiring. You are doing a great thing for her and your family.

[@leomenchey3726]

thank you for your service Bessie

[@officialnezquick]

You did well Bessie, now you can live the rest of your life in peace 💕

[@jamesrath25]

She like my dog Katie the bloodhound. Katie does those same things. Blocks the door, bellows, barks, and medium to medium-high drive to sniff. She does not lick only stray lick if she really likes you or is very excited. Normally no licks.

[@sharonsolana]

Sweet dog!

[@Cormac11]

Dad: *_Doesn't want dog_* Dad and the dog:

[@charylliss1472]

Is there a way Bessie could have a post retirement career as a therapy dog, visiting veterans or nursing homes or kids hospitals?

[@mysticnightwolf339]

Awesome story! Kinda funny how the people they’re searching for just surrender once they hear the howl from Bessie.

[@Thorfinn_Vinland]

Bessie is a good girl

[@theridesharechaplain472]

I think that's just awesome. What a great dog 🐕.

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

Bless you Bessie. Thank you and all service dogs for your service. I'm not crying I have a piece of dust in my eyes.

[@violetaaplasca1134]

shes already retired dog she deserves to have comfort in life and to be love as always

[@oppoandroidf1174]

I love her especialy the howl...And I love that family....Making her as part of them...🙏👍👍👍👍💖👌👍💖💖

[@dcricket1]

Aww the last part where she’s snoring!!!💤💤

[@marinaandthediabetes]

she has the most human howl ever

[@karlfranz8345]

Such a beautiful old lady!

[@stevelee4653]

old girl. relax and take it easy.. you done your work!! you Beautiful Hound!!!

[@shannondominguez9725]

Usually once working dogs hit a certain age it’s time for them to retire police k9s hit 7-8 years old and that’s when they’re retired especially if it’s really physically tough work. Just like it can be with us the constant go go go activity can eventually wear down a pups body especially if it involves a lot of running and movement like tracking does;unfortunately also the bigger dog breeds normally used in police work definitely age faster than smaller dogs 8 years old and older they’re considered senior.