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Dawson County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Robby retires
K9 Robby retirement
K9 officer Robby sits next to his handler, DCSO Sgt. Smith. - photo by Julia Hansen

After over three years spent faithfully working for the local law enforcement agency, K9 officer Robby will conclude his tenure with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.

During their Dec. 1 voting session, the Board of Commissioners approved a request from the sheriff’s office to retire the seven-year-old canine from duty. Robby’s handler, DCSO Sgt. Smith, will become the dog’s owner. 

Robby, a Dutch Shepherd from Holland, is certified in apprehension, article searches, narcotics and tracking. 

“He and his handler, Sgt. Smith, enjoy getting drugs off the streets of Dawson County,” stated a March 7 DCSO Facebook post recognizing the canine’s birthday. 

As part of the North Georgia K9 Task Force, Robby and his handler helped with searches and tracking in Dawson, Lumpkin and other neighboring counties.

However, progressive medical issues with Robby’s spine and pelvis have made it difficult for him to carry out his duties as a K9 officer, DCSO’s request to the board stated. 

“These dogs, you ask them to do a lot more for you than pets at home, and they go through a lot running and chasing, and these terrains around here put a toll on them,” said District 3 Commissioner Tim Satterfield. “I just thank God we’ve got them.”