Military Working Dogs (MWDs), alongside police K-9s, are some of the hardest working dogs on the planet. Not only do they undergo rigorous training in preparation for their duties, but they often put themselves at risk defending their country.

So, when an MWD retires, it is a big deal, as one dog found out.

Bob is set to retire

Named Bob, the nine-year-old Labrador retriever is stepping down from his duties as a military police dog. He will spend the rest of his life inside a loving home where he can live out his years in peace.

Bob had an illustrious career as a member of the U.S. armed forces

Bob has a storied career in the military, starting as a bomb-sniffing dog in Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps after his training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Then, it was off to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, where he took up his most recent job as a police dog on the base.

Military police dogs are trained in a variety of fields, including combat and pursuit of suspects, as well as drug and bomb-sniffing. It takes a special dog to be able to complete the training program, with a portion of those in training not making the final cut.

Everyone that Bob worked with at Oceana has the utmost respect for him, and they deemed Bob as a brave, loyal, and lovable coworker.

His coworkers honor Bob in retirement

Suffering from issues with his hip and leg, Bob was retired from duty. But before he went, the sailors at the base decided to throw him a grandiose award ceremony commemorating his years of service and as a tribute to all that he had accomplished … which was a lot, considering his history of military service.

Bob receives the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

Bob was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal before he received the ultimate show of respect from his former coworkers. As he walked down the path of honor, members of the military stood on either side, most in masks, and gave him salutes, as his handler, Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike Hausmann, walked by his side.

On its Facebook page, the base had this to say:

“Though our Sailors are practicing physical distancing, it was important to honor the service of one of our Military Working Dogs.”

Life in retirement

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Now, that he is retired, Bob will be living with Hausmann, who volunteered to adopt the MWD. Hausmann has a family of dogs, so Bob will have other dogs to play with as he moves into his senior years. Also, Bob will get plenty of cuddles, love, and treats from Hausmann.

“He’s just a big, lovable goof,” Hausmann told The Virginian-Pilot. “I’m really happy to have him at home and part of our family.”

H/T: Inspire More, Animal Channel