After five years of tracking criminals, bounding over fences and being a stealthy hound, Waikato police dog Vadar has retired from operational service.
The seven-year-old has been formally taken off duties after a series of health issues, including surgery for lumbosacral disease in January.
Four months post-surgery, Vadar has developed a bit of a wobble in his back end and further investigation has led to a diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). DM affects the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. The condition is not painful but unfortunately there is no effective treatment.
Senior Constable Kieran Goodhew has had Vadar since he was two years old. Former handler, Andrew Grylls-Thomas trained and graduated Vadar prior to leaving Police in 2017.
In March that year, Kieran took Vadar on and validated him a month later. Vadar also qualified as an Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) dog at the end of 2017 and has worked with Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland squads.
Kieran recalls a memorable job with Vadar last year in rural Waikeria. Two offenders had pointed a shotgun at a victim before firing it and running off over farmland.
Vadar tracked the offenders for a couple of kilometres before indicating that they’d crossed the river. He was transported across the water by Eagle, then relocated the track and followed it over 5.6 kms through bush and farmland in full AOS kit, to eventually apprehend both offenders. Without his stamina and dedication, they wouldn’t have been found that night.
Kieran says Vadar is reliable, loyal and has a strong bite. He’s bitten through numerous pieces of equipment in his time, but in his downtime, he’s a loveable, social dog.
“He loved his job and loved to catch offenders,” says Kieran.
In 2019, Vadar received a certificate of excellence in his annual certification – a rare achievement based on a dog’s obedience and ability to carry out a number of tasks flawlessly.
He also finished his working career on a high – catching a burglar in the act. So what now for Vadar?
Striking a pose and making the most of his time at home.
Kieran says Vadar is now in “full pet mode”, eating leftover roast chicken and enjoying many more liberties.
“He loves a school visit and getting pats from kids so no doubt there will be a few more of those to come.”
As for Kieran, he is now training 18-month-old Fynn who he hopes will be fully operational by the end of the year.