THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville Police Department officer who retired less than two weeks ago is eager to return to work.

Tank, a TPD canine, makes his home with his longtime handler, Cpl. Grady Shiver. When Shiver leaves home for work, Tank does not like being left behind. Forlornly, he stands at the door and watches his master drive away.

Tank, a German shepherd, served eight years as a TPD canine. His breed usually works eight to 10 years.

The canine has a bad rear left leg and signs of arthritis in his shoulders. Surgery to correct a hardened muscle from Tank’s groin to his knee resulted in the leg problem.

“He’s always had a funny walk because of it, but it did not slow him down,” Shiver said.

Tank has always been a member of the Shiver household.

Born in Belgium in October 2012, he came to TPD when he was 14 months old — already with police dog training.

“He’d been off the plane for 10 hours when I got him,” Shiver said. 

Physically, Tank was grown, but he had the attitude of a puppy, Shiver added.

Tank’s double-layered coat served him well on recent frigid days.

 “On cold days, he likes to get out and run,” Shiver said.

Police canines are a tool, Shiver said, adding that the dogs become certified to use as a tool. Handlers, who also undergo training, must ensure their dogs remain certified with the law enforcement agency they work for and with the U.S. Police Canine Association.

“It’s a lot of work. It’s hard on the body. I’m 55 years old,” Shiver said, referring to Tank’s ongoing training.

Training involves a 90-pound dog pulling the trainer in different directions.

Shiver suffered a shoulder injury while training Tank, underwent surgery and was off the job for two months. He returned to work a month ago as a detective in the TPD Criminal Investigations Division.

Criminal investigation work is a field in which Shiver has always been interested. 

“The opportunity came up,” he added.

Shiver and Tank have pulled off a lot of feats, but one is particularly memorable. A man was suspected of burning down his house and fleeing. Three hours later, Tank was called in to track the suspect.

Shiver thought too much time had elapsed for the canine to be successful in tracking the man.

“We tracked him and found him in the woods. He’s been hiding out there,” Shiver recalled.

The ballistics vest Tank — and two other TPD canines — received recently has been turned in for use by a new dog.

Tank and Shiver share an emotional attachment.

“There are some things in his future I don’t even like to think about,” Shiver said. “You know he’s going to get older and expire.” 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820