A Guardian of the Night

 

To the public, he is known as Police Service Dog #0172 – a pure black nightmare that you do not want to be on the wrong side of.

To me he is Ace, a goofy old dog with the playfulness of a puppy; a member of my family since he was 8 weeks old and could fit into the palm of my hands; but more importantly, my Dad’s partner and protector for the 10 years he served the Vancouver Police Department.

Today when Ace was unable to stand on his hind legs, my Dad had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have him put to sleep. While most pet owners understand the pain of saying goodbye to their 4-legged companions, I truly believe that what my Dad has to go through encompasses so much more than that.

You see, because Ace is not just a dog. Nor is he simply a member of the family. He is so much more than that. Ace was born and raised to be a police service dog. It has been his job to serve and protect the citizens of Vancouver city, but more so, to protect his officer, my father, from the dangers he encountered on a daily basis on the job.

Today, I grieve for my father, during this painful time, and mourn the loss of a childhood companion. My last few words are for you, Ace:

Thank-you..........

Thank-you for always managing to make my family smile, no matter how naughty you were being at the time.

Thank-you for helping me grow, and for teaching me the deep love for animals that I carry with me today.

But most importantly, thank-you; for bringing my Dad home to me every night safely; for making it your life’s mission to protect a human, because that’s what you were expected to do.

Thank-you for truly being a man’s best friend, and for bringing so much love and joy to his life.

My family, and the city of Vancouver, will be forever in your debt for your service over the years.  

Rest in Peace big guy – you’ve earned it.

 

 

 

PSD Ace

September 30th, 2001 - July 4th, 2013

 

 

Guardians Of The Night

 

                                                                         Author - Unknown

Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.

Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.

I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.

If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together we
  are guardians of the night.