Today, the Gloucester Police Force are mourning the loss of Bear, the retired police dog who passed away on Wednesday with his handler by his side.
The German Shepherd retired in January 2018 along with his owner Sergeant Geoff Blindell, who called Bear his "partner, hero and best friend" in an emotional tweet announcing his passing.
The Gloucestershire Police Dogs Section also paid tribute to Bear on Twitter, saying: "We are very sad to announce that Retired PD Bear passed peacefully over rainbow bridge last night.
"His retired handler Geoff was by his side to kiss him goodbye. He enjoyed his retirement to the full. R.I.P. Bear thank you for your service #YouWillBeRememberedForever."
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Bear was a rescue dog from Barnstaple, who was recruited to be part of the Tri-Force Specialist Operations Dog Unit with his handler Geoff in 2011 after an intensive 13-week course.
The pair retired early last year where they enjoyed their days living at Geoff's home in Cheltenham.
Announcing the sad new yesterday, Geoff wrote: "It is with deep regret and sadness to inform you that my partner, hero and best friend passed away this evening. We had great times together and he will always have a special place in my heart xx RIP BEAR now go and run with your mates over the Rainbow bridge."
During his seven-year tenure, Bear assisted Geoff with tracking and catching offenders and loyally defending his owner.
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"Me and Bear have been together for the past seven years," Geoff told Glouchester Live in an interview on their retirement.
"Hes a lovely dog and he has been a real stalwart for me. We have been to some cracking jobs together. He's saved lives, he's caught offenders, I couldn't ask anything more from him. I'm just so pleased we are together we are very lucky."
Geoff added: "We have had a few scrapes, he has saved me a couple of times.
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"One time we were after two burglars in the Whaddon area carrying two large bags. One decided to run, I gave the warning I was about to send the dog and the other one went to punch me - he was going to take me out.
"Bear grabbed him and saved us."
Bear has even assisted in saving a man's life once before. Explaining the incident to the local paper, Geoff said: "Another time we found a man who was going to commit suicide hiding under a car. He had a knife and if Bear hadn't used his fantastic nose sadly the man may have died."
He added: "Saving a life is fantastic. I get a great buzz out of it. It's amazing to think of some of the jobs we have been on together.
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"I'm very proud of what we have done."
RIP, Police Dog 1179. Forever a good boy.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Mr Bear
