J Kleeman Photography: Walking the walk...

Bond

a connection that fastens things together
the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition
a connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest
a superior quality of strong durable white writing paper; originally made for printing documents (scratch this one)
the superior quality of a strong and durable relationship forged by test and tribulation (Use this one)

The bond between K9 officers is nothing less than direct and clear - for each depends on the other to come home at the end of every shift. You can see by the teams behavior this is true.

There is a mutual respect and connection, this connection grows continuously as they work together. Team building and working best practice routines, as well as time on the street just serve to solidify this seamless operation.

The fact that they are often in high stress high pressure operations blurs the lines and brings focus to another salient reality - they become nearly inseparable. There is true "Heart" and a warm strong affection for each other.

Sometimes its just public service and a visit to the local summer fair

Training, field work as well as Street Operations connect the team to other teams... and so the community and socialization of the pair continues... the relationship grows stronger.

Just like anyone with a four legged friend, partner or buddy...

you can often see the love in your human partners eyes. (It's not hard to see)

Sometimes you will find your human has taken too many images of you and while you are not sure why they need so many!

So it goes without saying that days are so much better with our four legged furry faced friends, companions and protectors. And for that we are truly thankful!

There comes a time when the opportunity to serve the ones who serve us takes a turn and we have to do what is right. It's interesting the compassion we can afford these four legged companions, and we do so when the hard call comes to us.

This last Saturday we stood in somber recognition of the last hour and the last minutes of a life well lived. A partner, buddy, protector, officer and family member was going to leave us.

The time had come to say a heartfelt goodbye.

The reason matters not, for today there is no diet and no rules. Vanilla Breyers Ice Cream - and a gallon of it lay before her... open...all for the taking.

A celebration to be sure...