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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.