It was the usual farewell function with a candle-lit cake, and the retiree was garlanded and draped with a shawl. The guest of honour was Lucy, a 11-year-old Labrador retriever, who retired as a sniffer dog in the police detective dog squad in Vellore, after serving with distinction for a decade. Her trainer cut the cake and fed it to her at the event held in the police station on Old Bangalore Road in Vellore.
Whether it’s sniffing out explosives or drugs, investigating a crime scene and providing security to visiting dignitaries — Lucy did her work with dedication. So, when she slowed down due to age, head constable M. Gerard Wilson recommended that she be retired.
“She will continue to enjoy other benefits, including routine diet and care. Retirement does not change her status in the squad other than not requiring her to work. We will get a replacement [a puppy] soon,” said S. Rajesh Kannan, Superintendent of Police (Vellore).
