After 10 years on duty, Kerala Police dog Samantha heads home with her handler

For more than a decade, Samantha followed her handler into raids, searches and narcotics operations. On Saturday (September 19, 2026), the veteran Labrador walked out of the police force beside him once again. But this time, there was no duty waiting for them. He was taking her home.

The Labrador, identified as K9-286 in police records, formally retired from the Pathanamthitta district police force on Saturday. Her current handler, George Antony, has volunteered to take her home and care for her in her retirement.

The farewell at the district police headquarters was marked by the same discipline that had defined Samantha’s years in service. Walking beside Mr. Antony in front of District Police Chief R. Anand, Samantha saluted the officer and received a salute and garland in recognition of her service.