A lot has happened to Ink during his four-year career with the South Australian Police Force. Cops took the German Shepherd out on the road a whopping 826 times, and he was directly responsible for apprehending 56 people.
But the five-and-a-half-year-old dog has handed over his badge after officially retiring from the force due to health issues.
South Australia Police say: "Last year it was discovered PD Ink was suffering some degenerative arthritis and the decision has now been made, in consultation with his vet, that it is time for him to retire.
"He will now take a well-earned break as a family pet, remaining with his handler and family."
Credit: SA Police Facebook
Just a year into his career, Ink was deployed during an ATM robbery but was left severely injured when he was hit by a car.
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Ink suffered six broken ribs, a punctured lung, a ruptured disc in his spine and other minor injuries, with the person behind the wheel being charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, theft, causing serious harm to a working animal and driving to evade police.
The offender was the first to be prosecuted on new legislation that upped the maximum penalties for those convicted of harming working dogs to five years behind bars. Ink was kept off-duty for three months to ensure he had fully recuperated.
In a Facebook post, SA Police paid tribute to Ink for doing his best over his four-year career. Thousands of people have liked, shared and commented, with one person saying: "Thank you Ink for your service to the community and protecting us, the South Australia people. Thank you for your dedication and enjoy your retirement."
Credit: Channel 7
Another wrote: "What a dog! Successful. Intelligent. Handsome. Enjoy your well-earned holiday PD Ink."
While it's great that he's got the rest of his life to enjoy long walks and play with toys, his partner, Senior Constable Tony Potter, says he'll miss getting to work with his four-legged friend.
The police officer has told news.com.au: "He's still young. I don't think we've seen the best of him but, unfortunately, dogs at five years of age is at their peak.
"I love him to death ... he is my partner so I'm terrifically proud of him.
"He'll be spoiled. We are normally quite strict with our dogs; we have to keep him in good fiddle and obedience. I'll try not to let him put on too much weight."
What a good boy!
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Sources: news.com.au, SA Police
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