'Take a break:' Johnstown Police K9 Thor retires after nearly a decade of service
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — While Belgian Malinois "Thor" seems like the dog next door, he's just as tough as he is playful.
Thor has been a K9 with the Johnstown Police Department since April of 2015 with a dual purpose.
Not only is he a patrol dog who has completed hundreds of searches in cars, buildings, and homes, but he's also certified in narcotics detection.
"They make a big difference on scene. People respect the dogs. When you show up on scene with a dog -- and he's barking and going nuts in the back of the car -- it makes them realize that things are getting real."
That's what Detective Beau Gardner, Thor's handler, told 6 News.
But at 9.5 years old -- which is really 66.5 in dog years -- Thor is officially retiring.
There was a retirement ceremony held for him at the Johnstown Public Safety building Friday afternoon.
He was greeted with a peanut butter cake topped with shaved carrots and sliced apples to celebrate.
I'm happy for him. I'm sad. It's going to be weird going to work without a dog. I don't know how it's going to be next week," Detective Gardner told 6 News.While Detective Gardner and Thor will now be apart during the work day, they won't be apart for long.
Thor is going to live at Detective Gardner's house with him and his family.
"I'm happy that he gets to take a break."
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