Redondo Police Dog Retires After Cancer Diagnosis

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Boss, a Redondo Beach Police Department canine, is retiring after he was diagnosed with cancer, the City announced Wednesday.

"I write this caption with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes...K9 Boss has been diagnosed with spinal cancer," a Redondo Beach K-9 Team Instagram post said. "What we originally thought to be a mild shoulder injury has turned out to be a devastating blow to the RBPD K9 Team."

The Belgian Malinois joined the police department in March 2018 and was partnered with Officer Robert Carlborg. Boss was deployed as a patrol canine and was cross-trained in narcotics detection, the press release said.

Boss was injured during a training exercise in November 2018 and was taken to the veterinarian for treatment. During this visit, doctors discovered some abnormalities and Boss was taken in for further follow-ups. Doctors found Boss has muscle atrophy stemming from spinal cancer, the press release said.

"Due to his medical condition, Boss will no longer be able to perform his duties as a Canine for the Redondo Beach Police Department. Boss retired on July 2, and will go home to live out his remaining years with Officer Carlborg," the City of Redondo Beach said.

Boss located 31 criminals during his tenure as a police canine, officials said. He also found heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine while used for narcotics detection.

The Redondo Beach Police Canine program relies on public donations.

"We would like to thank all of our donors and those who have reached out to support Boss, Officer Carlborg and our department," RBPD said.

To donate to the Redondo Beach Police Department Canine program, visit the Redondo Beach Police Foundation website or the Redondo Beach Police Instagram page.