Former Vernon North Okanagan RCMP police service dog Cain (submitted photos/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

protected the community

RCMP note loss of former service dog: ‘You will be missed’

Oct 24, 2023 | 12:00 PM

A valued former four-legged member of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is being remembered fondly.

In a post on social media, the local detachment stated it was “saddened” to share news of the passing of retired police service dog Cain.

“PSD Cain spent his entire eight-year career protecting the communities and residents of the North Okanagan and he aided in the tracking and apprehension of countless criminals. Cain also led the way in finding and helping many lost or missing people,” the RCMP stated.

One incident that Cain was involved in, that was reported by Vernon Matters, saw two suspects arrested after a violent robbery at the 7-Eleven store on Middleton Way in Vernon in March 2018.

Police said two males entered the store with what appeared to be extendable batons and started to ransack the location, knocking food items from the shelves. Prior to fleeing, an employee was assaulted by one suspect and struck on the leg with a baton.

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Police responded to the area within minutes and took two males into custody.

“RCMP Police Service Dog ‘Cain’ and his handler Const. Kevin Rutten were called to scene where ‘Cain’ quickly picked up a fresh track that lead police to a potential third suspect hiding under a tree,” RCMP said at the time. “Officers were efficient in responding to the scene, setting up containment and ultimately identifying two potential suspects involved in the robbery.”

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP sent out condolences to Cain’s family, and handler, adding they “hope the memories of their adventures together bring some comfort.”

“Good boy, Cain. Rest in peace. You will be missed dearly.”

The RCMP use only purebred German Shepherds for their general duty and specialty detection service dogs, both males and females.

The dogs start formal training between the ages of 14 to 18 months and usually retire at seven or eight years of age.