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K9 Cash, originally named “Amigo”, was purchased from Von Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana in May 2015. Deputy Jamie Smith became Cash’s handler and renamed him “Cash” based on his love of Johnny Cash, Cash money (a K9 unit saying that means a dog found narcotics), and Cache la Poudre.
Smith’s previous K9, Oso, had to take early retirement due to a spinal injury while on duty. K9 Oso was a very large, black german shepherd. Oso went home with Smith to join his family as a pet for the rest of his life. K9 Cash became his new partner.
“I remember when my wife and I picked up K9 Cash from the Denver International Airport in 2015. The crew brought Cash out to us and I saw this little 52-pound scruffy looking animal that was scared to death.” Deputy Smith introduced Cash to the Citizens Academy Alumni at its quarterly pot luck announcing the start of the LCSO Retired K9 Fund being kicked off to support LCSO retired K9’s as they retire to their handlers home to live out their lives as a family member. Cash crashed into the room and headed for the table of food – he was determined to do a full sweep of the table. Thankfully, Deputy Smith reigned him in before the food was devoured.
“We started his training within a few weeks and Cash quickly learned his abilities. The bond between Cash and I quickly formed. I have always loved dogs, grew up with dogs but had never encountered an attachment such as this. During Cash’s career, we spent countless hours together, on patrol together 10 -12 hours a night and training a minimum of 20 – 30 hours a month. To say I love this guy is an understatement. It is amazing when you can communicate with an animal with a simple hand gesture or merely with a look. The conversations I have had with Cash in the middle of the night during shifts, well let’s just say I’m glad he cannot talk! Over the years Cash has grown to be 92 pounds but still thinks he is the little guy I picked up from the airport. Cash’s speed, tenacity, courage, determination and intelligence is undisputed
(I think every K9 Handler feels the same about their partner). During Cash’s career, we were responsible for countless drug arrests, multiple suspect apprehensions, were part of the best patrol crews in the world and were members of the most dedicated and professional K9 and SWAT Teams ever assembled. Being K9 Cash’s Handler is one of the highlights of my life!
K9 Cash and Deputy Smith went through the K9 academy for narcotics certification and patrol apprehension certification. Smith knew he was an awesome K9. Through additional rigorous training, Cash became the first LCSO SWAT K9 and provided the SWAT team another non-lethal option for apprehension, and expanded tracking options using Cash’s amazing tracking skills. Smith was promoted to Corporal during this time as well. Cash served for five years before his early retirement due to Smith’s promotion to sergeant and moving out of the K9 unit. LCSO allowed Cash to retire to Smith’s home to keep this partnership going for Cash rather than trying to get a new handler. The handler/K9 bond is so strong that whenever possible, the team should remain together.
His handler says: “Currently, Cash is learning to be a normal (I use that term loosely) house dog. He still has the drive and desire to work. Cash spends time in the back yard with his brother (retired K9 Oso) and his little sister Emma (our 6 lb Chihuahua). It is comical to watch Cash and Emma take turns chasing one another around until their tongues are hanging out and they are out of breath. Cash also gets to spend time with his Mom and our daughters going on family walks. Cash is a very happy boy and smiles every time I come into his view. His joy is contagious, and he is a blessing to our family!”
Cash joins his brother, Oso, to the Smith “K9 Retirement Village”. Our foundation is happy we can financially support these two amazing K9s so the Smith family can offer them a wonderful life without undue financial burdens to their family budget. Having two retired K9s is no easy journey so we celebrate their love for Cash and Oso (along with their chihuahua who rules the roost) and their willingness to take special care of these pups that have given so much to our community,