Sweet K9 and handler go viral on social media for their heartwarming bond
Police K9s and their handlers develop a strong bond while on the job. Not only do they rely on each other for protection while serving the public, but once the workday is done, the K9s go home with their handlers.
This leads to an almost unbreakable bond between handler and K9 unit, with many acting almost like one.
Working with the public
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A perfect example of this is K9 Raider and his handler Officer Phil Ritchey with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety in Georgia.
Serving as a Community Service Youth Drug Prevention K9, Raider spends a lot of time at local high schools working with students on the dangers of drugs.
Making an impact with students
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“I have been working with the high school for about six years and Raider has significantly increased student contacts with me,” Ritchey told K-9 Cop Magazine in a 2017 interview.
Forming an inseparable bond
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A miniature black Labrador specifically picked for her role due to her small size, Raider and Ritchey formed a bond on the first day they met.
Named after the high school mascot of the school where she works, Alpharetta High School, Raider is a K9, even though her work role is quite different.
A very special K9
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Officially trained as a narcotics detection dog, Raider is somewhat different than your typical police K9. Most narcotic dogs are not supposed to be petted or approached by members of the public, but in Raider’s case, engagement is actually encouraged.
“Raider is exposed to the community more than our current K9’s because that is her job, meet people,” said Ritchey.
A strong social media presence
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But it is Ritchey and Raider’s social media presence that has gotten the most attention.
Spending every waking hour together, the two have started sharing their days together via videos and pictures on the duo’s Instagram and TikTok accounts.
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On Twitter, Raider has over 92,000 followers, while on TikTok Raider has over 665,000 followers. The handler and K9 even have their own podcast, called the Caddy Wagon where Ritchey talks about their life together as public safety officers.
Life at home
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In addition to Raider, Ritchey has another dog, named Cooper. While at home, Cooper and Raider constantly play together and are the best of pals, going on hikes along with Ritchey.
Raider helps make connections
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“She attracts people to pet her and that leads to a self-initiated conversation between the police officer and the citizen. This conversation is a positive contact with a police officer and we need those as often as possible,” said Ritchey.
For more on Officer Ritchey and his day with Raider, check out the video below.
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Source: The Dodo, Instagram – adps_k9_raider, K-9 Cop Magazine