BEL AIR, Md. – The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Ruger, a retired black Labrador K9 who served the county’s Drug Task Force with distinction before a remarkable recovery and well-earned retirement.
Ruger, who joined the department in 2015, was 11 years old when he passed away this week.
The Sheriff’s Office shared a tribute on social media honoring the Labrador’s years of service and unshakable spirit.
Key Points
- Ruger joined the Harford County Drug Task Force in 2015 as a drug-detection K9.
- He was paralyzed in 2021 after a freak injury but later learned to walk again.
- Ruger passed away this week at age 11, after a celebrated career and retirement.
From rookie to veteran
Ruger quickly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable dogs in the unit, assisting in hundreds of searches that helped remove dangerous drugs from Harford County communities. Deputies described him as focused and eager, always ready to work alongside his handler.
A comeback story
In 2021, Ruger’s life changed when he suffered a severe spinal injury while playing fetch, leaving him paralyzed in his hind legs. With therapy, care, and unwavering determination, Ruger regained the ability to walk—an outcome his handlers called “nothing short of extraordinary.”
He spent his retirement at home with his handler’s family, enjoying a quieter life but never losing his working-dog instincts. Earlier this summer, Ruger was brought out for one final “shift,” where he showed he still had his nose for the job, finding hidden scents with precision despite his slower pace.
Remembered as a hero
The Sheriff’s Office said Ruger’s courage, loyalty, and perseverance left a lasting mark on the department. “We are forever grateful for his loyalty and years of dedicated service to the Harford County community,” the agency wrote.
Tributes from officers and residents flooded the department’s Facebook post, many thanking Ruger for his service and calling him a true hero to the end.