Tragedy as long-serving police cadaver dog 'PD Bert' dies of cancer
- Queensland police handler issues heartbreaking tribute to cadaver dog Bert
- The Springer Spaniel found human remains at crime scenes and during disasters
- Bert, from Brisbane, was the first Springer Spaniel to become a cadaver dog
The handler of a legendary police dog helped bring comfort to families at crime scenes and during natural disasters across Australia has issued a heart-breaking farewell.
PD Bert, trained to detect human remains, died at his home after a recent cancer diagnosis, Queensland police announced in an emotional message on its website and via social media.
In it devoted handler Senior Constable Adam Reid said he ate steak and took several swims with Bert before farewelling his canine mate at age 10 and a half.
The handler of a legendary police dog helped bring comfort to families at crime scenes and during natural disasters across Australia has issued a heart-breaking farewell
In an emotional message devoted handler Senior Constable Adam Reid said he ate steak and took several swims with Bert before farewelling his canine mate at age 10 and a half
Queensland police's social media post quickly went viral.
Bert is pictured with his handler in 2015
In barely two hours thousands reacted, with almost all offering condolences to Mr Reid and the dog squad.
Several followers commenting they hoped Bert could now run over the 'Rainbow Bridge' to play.
'You can run fast and free enjoying your pain free sickness free peace and tranquility over the rainbow bridge,' Louise wrote.
Bert was the first ever Springer Spaniel sworn in as a Human Remains Detection Specialist dog, better known as a cadaver dog, at the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy at Oxley in 2015.
Police confirmed Bert's 'skills' were an important factor at several 'crime scenes and natural disasters across Queensland and Australia'.
His ability to recover human remains led to several arrests.
Share this article
Cadaver dogs are trained using a 'pseudo-scent' — a chemical that mimics the scent of a decomposing human body.
When they find the scent they are given a treat or their favourite toy.
Senior Constable Reid, who worked with the Brisbane Dog Squad, described how he had shared Bert's final weeks after a shock cancer diagnosis.
Bert died age 10 and a half after a short battle with cancer
Bert playing with a ball. Police use a dog's playfulness to train them to find the scent of human remains
'It has been a difficult time for my family and I after learning of Bert's illness,' Mr Reid said.
'In his final weeks, we ate steak, took plenty of swims and cherished him the best we could.'
Mr Reid paid an emotional tribute to his canine colleague.
'Bert was one of the hardest working, most loyal and nicest police dogs I will ever have the privilege of working with.'
'It was a pleasure to be his handler.'
Bert was selected to mate with a fellow police dog, a Labrador, in order to produce the first 'Springadors' in the Brisbane Dog Squad.
Two of PD Bert’s offspring are current serving members of the QPS – PD Wendy and PD Kevin.
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
