CINCINNATI – After eight years of serving with the Cincinnati Police Department, K-9 Ike retired Thursday.
Ike worked with his handler, Officer Ken Kober, since he was a puppy. The two were together all day, every day.
“Everything that we’re taught is ‘trust your dog,’” Kober said. “Over the years it’s definitely a bond that I’ve learned that I absolutely trust everything that he does, and he does the same for me.”
Together they tracked down break-in and robbery suspects, and helped serve warrants for violent felons. Ike is so well trained that he can even open car doors himself. But now his career has spanned decades in dog years.
“Quite honestly, the police work is taking a toll on his body and it’s at the point where I would rather him enjoy retirement and not risk him injuring himself,” Kober said.
Officers planned to hold a little ceremony for Ike at the academy Thursday to mark his retirement. Ike will also be celebrating his ninth birthday Jan. 4.
Congrats Patrol Canine Ike retiring today! Happy early 9th bday! Thx for yrs of dedicated service to @CityOfCincy pic.twitter.com/I7zp1cWu7I
— Cincinnati Police (@CincinnatiPD) December 31, 2015
Kober said that their bond would remain strong, even after Ike’s retirement.
Canine Ike & Officer Kober hv been partners for 8yrs. Enjoy retirement and hv a nice bone on us! We're gonna miss ya pic.twitter.com/j4NXoHPDJR
— Cincinnati Police (@CincinnatiPD) December 31, 2015
