Of course, when a bond is as strong as Grendel’s and Sgt Knudsens, it is extremely difficult for the “retiree” to get left behind when their partner now goes to work with a “new”partner. In this case, Sgt. Knudsen’s new partner was a handsome Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd named Negan. Grendel was very protective of his handler and wasn’t giving her up to another alpha K9 gracefully. Grendel and Negan had to go through the normal power struggles and eventually reached an agreement – to tolerate each other. Sgt. Knudsen made sure that Grendel got some very special attention to help him transition into being a retired couch potato while his handler and Negan were out chasing the bad guys.
Grendel was 12 years old and feeling his age but still indulged in some of his favorite past times. He loved stealing stuffed animals from the kids’ rooms. Sgt. Knudsen’s kids had to learn the special command to drop the stuffies – “fooey”.Grendel also learned a new trick – to drink out of the toilet. A little 4 pound chihuahua taught Grendel how to do this. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Another favorite past-time was to sit on the couch with the oldest daughter while she reads.What a way to kick back and enjoy retirement!
Grendel used to sleep on his handler’s bed, but as his joints got a bit creakier, he was sleeping in his retirement bed from the Larimer Retired K9 Foundation now. Since Negan has to sleep in his kennel, Grendel could smirk at his handler’s new partner and say “haha, look at where I sleep!”