Monster, an 8-year-old Riley County police K-9, retired after seven years of service because of medical issues. 

Starting in 2017, Monster, a Belgian Malinois, worked under Sgt. Jared Hayes before being picked up by Officer Jeff Childs when the dog was 3 years old.

Childs said there was an adjustment period when taking in Monster.

“He took to me pretty well, but just figuring each other out to work took a while,” Childs said. “That’s how it is with any dog. It usually takes anywhere from six months to a couple years for a full relationship to happen. It’s what you do with the dog; how you’re interacting with the dog.”

Monster worked as a narcotics detective for six years before transitioning to patrol dog.

Like all dogs, Monster has his “quirks.”

“He likes to bark at people riding bicycles, motorcycles and lawnmowers, so when we’re in the car, he will randomly hop up at a red light and start barking at a truck,” Childs said. “He also does not like vets.”

Childs said despite the “ups and downs,” he would take on another K-9.

“This is what I want to do for my career, so if I can keep doing it, I want to,” he said.

Childs said having patience is the best advice he can give to new K-9 officers.

“They’re like kids … when you think everything is going good, we’ll take a step back; just be patient, learn from mistakes,” Childs said. “It’s a lot of work, and I had to put the effort into this to make it a good team for the police department.”

Monster will be staying with Childs for his retirement.

“He’s going to stay with me initially, and if I’m able to get another dog with work, he’ll go to Sgt. Hayes, his previous handler,” Childs said.