Well done, Koda
<p>Koda, who became Post Falls Police's first K-9 in 2009, will retire in August. Here, the 8-year-old German shepherd is with handler Frank Bowne.</p>
POST FALLS - After nearly six years of taking a bite out of Post Falls crime, Koda is eying retirement.
Koda, the 8-year-old German shepherd who became Post Falls Police's first K-9 in 2009, will retire in August due to a neurological disorder.
"He's been a great partner," said Officer Frank Bowne, Koda's handler. "I've spent more time with him in the past six years than with my own family."
Bowne said he hopes to keep Koda as the dog transitions to a pet in retirement.
"It's a little sad that he's retiring, but I think we're doing what's right for him by letting him have a good retirement," Bowne said. "He deserves a few good years without any added stress in life. We didn't want to push him to the brink."
Bowne said it will be a challenge having Koda downshift in retirement after being trained to keep up his intensity on the streets, but he wants to be a part of that transition.
"He doesn't have the mentality of a pet; it's the mentality of a working dog," Bowne said.
Bowne said Koda tore an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which led to other injuries.
"Scar tissue has built up and we believe his knee injuries caused the injury to his back," Bowne said.
Bowne said a veterinarian believes Koda's condition was caused by a combination of age and stress.
Koda is currently on pain medication and light duty. He has four specialties - apprehension, tracking, narcotics detection and evidence location.
Bowne recalls a case in which a wanted man barricaded himself in Rathdrum. Police couldn't get the suspect to come out, but when Koda barked the man surrendered peacefully.
"There's been several cases like that," Bowne said. "Whenever someone was taken into custody (in a dangerous situation) without the officer getting hurt, it was a success story."
PFPD has another K-9, Andor, on the streets.
Chief Scot Haug said the department hopes to find a replacement for Koda this fall. A new K-9, including the dog and training, costs about $23,000.
The K-9 costs will be paid with drug seizure funds, donations and an annual dog walk/run fundraiser. General fund city dollars will not be spent on the purchase. Haug said about $4,000 in drug seizure funds are available.
"We're hoping over the next three months to raise all of the money needed," Haug said.
Residents can donate to the K-9 program on their monthly water bills. For more information, call 773-3517.