Sentinels of the city

Retirement blues

Police dogs typically retire by the age of 8, though there are exceptions. When handlers are unable to adopt retired dogs, the search for a suitable family begins.

Cheung adopted the Malinois patrol dog he had been in charge of. The dog turned out to be quite a handful once he brought her home. One day, she managed to open the front door of Cheung's residence and wander outside. Cheung has since installed three extra locks, but the dog keeps trying to escape, given half a chance. "She's a very smart dog," her owner says, laughing.