Calgary victim assistance dog, Hawk, retires from duty
Hawk, the first-ever victim assistance dog in Calgary — and in Canada — hung up his collar and turned in his badge to start a new life of retirement on Friday.
A ceremony was held at the Calgary Police Service headquarters to honour his eight-year career, which began in 2013 after he was raised and trained by the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), in Burnaby, B.C.
"Over the course of his career, Hawk was a valuable resource to many of our community partners who work with both children and adults," police said in a release.
"He supported victims through the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team, Alberta Children's Hospital, the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, and both local school boards."
Hawk was also an integral part of the Calgary police family.
"He supported victims as they told their story to the media at police headquarters, supported many of our youth programs and even attended difficult debriefings with our own members after traumatic events," read the release.
"However, one of the greatest achievements of Hawk's career remains the successful application put forward by the Crown Prosecution Service, in partnership with us, to have courts recognize victim assistance dogs as an allowable support during witness and victim testimony.
Hawk was the first victim support dog in Canada to be legally recognized, setting a precedent for courtrooms across the country.
"Hawk has had an exceptional career, but what we are celebrating today is really more than just what he contributed," said CPS Supt. Asif Rashid.
The Calgary Humane Society also presented the pooch with a medal.
"We are honored to be a part of Hawk's retirement. He certainly fits the bill as an animal hero and is only the third recipient of this distinction since it was developed in 2013," said Brad Nichols, director of operations.
"For the countless victims of crime whom Hawk has facilitated journeys through the justice system, we congratulate this incredible dog on his accomplishments and retirement."
Hawk is being replaced by two new dogs, Calibri and Webber. He was adopted by his last handler and will now live as a family pet.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.