2016/1/8

After six years of service with the Nova Scotia RCMP and hundreds of hours spent tracking, searching and apprehending at all hours of the day and night, Police Service Dog Arik has caught his last suspect.  The seven-year-old German shepherd is retiring from the Bible Hill area to Cape Breton, where he will spend his time hiking and relaxing with his new family. 

For Arik’s handler, Cpl. Al Hamilton, it’s a bittersweet transition.  Responding to 176 calls this year alone, Arik has been a reliable and loyal partner. 

“It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Arik work,” says Cpl. Hamilton.  “He never had a bad day.  As soon as we arrived to any scene, day or night, he was always ready to give 100 per cent.” 

As Arik settles into his new home for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, Cpl. Hamilton is headed to British Columbia to meet his sixth canine partner and bring him back to Nova Scotia.  He and Arik will continue to stay in touch, as a member of Arik’s new family is also an RCMP member.

“We are going separate ways, but I know Arik will enjoy retirement,” Cpl. Hamilton says. He laughs, “The only thing he really dislikes is getting out of bed in the middle of the night, so now he will be able to sleep all he wants!” 

For more information on RCMP Nova Scotia’s Police Dog Service, see http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ns/prog_services/specialized-services-services-specialises/dogs-chien/index-eng.htm.

Note to media: a photo of Arik is attached.

Above: Arik.

Above: Cpl. Hamilton and Arik.

Source: Release