He’s as spunky and lovable as you might think.
He’s a star in the community as we saw that first hand when folks stopped just to say hi to the most popular K9 in town. He is recognized by just about everyone who sees him!
He is such a wonderful and happy dog. He tail did not stop wagging the entire time I was with him! He loves to give hugs and sloppy kisses. That kong toy we’ve all seen him with – is his most favorite and he basically always has it with him!
K9 Officer Shield seemed to love the attention. He’s exceptionally good with strangers – and that is apparently rare when it comes to police dogs.
K9 Officer Tony Marshall says that’s all thanks to the man who trained him, “It really was the way Craig trained him. He is a special dog. Most really can’t do this. I think Craig got the dog used to 
public relations basically, he brought him around people and his young niece and this is the result. He did this and it’s great. It’s awesome.”
It has been a long month for the members of the Buffalo Police Department; particularly the dive team and K9 officers. Officer Marshall – with tears in his eyes – told me they are all hanging in there, but it is just not the same. They still wear the black mourning band across their shields to remember their friend, Craig Lehner. Officer Marshall says they usually stay on for about a month – but, he admits it’ll be hard to take it off, “So they normally come off after just a month, but I’m not sure who is going to take theirs off after just one month. I can see us wearing them for a year. It will be hard to take it off.”
Lt. Sal Losi, who heads up the K9 division tells me it has been tough, but community support has helped a great deal, “We are actually kind of floored. That’s the only word I can use. Floored. We know there are a lot of good people out there; the fact is on this job, we don’t see that side of things. We see the bad things; the criminals. So, we get a bit jaded. But, I’ll tell you we’ve seen so many good people and it’s really helped. It has.”
As for Shield, a recent trip to his veterinarian came with some very good news. There is no sign of depression, he’s eating, sleeping and doing everything a healthy dog would do. He still spends time with each and every K9 officer on a regular basis.
As for what happens next – Shield is waiting for a new handler and Lt. Losi says that will not be an easy decision, “Everybody wants to be his handler. Everybody. We are still working on the details but everyone wants to work with this guy. We will have to have try outs for sure because we just want to make sure that he goes to the right handler, to the right person. It has to be a great fit. It does.”
Lt. Losi says there’s always been interest from officers wanting to join the K9 division but never like he’s seeing now, “Oh, it’s always been something, but not like this. Right now it is off the charts.”
For now, Officer Shield will continue to be an ambassador for the K9 division of the BPD. He’s well taken care of, gets loads of love, and when the time is right – he will 
go to the perfect new home with his lucky new handler.
We will have more with Lt. Losi and Shield soon!
One last thing… Shield loves taking selfies!
This blog/website is obviously a labor of love. As a native WNYer living in Wyoming and the Rocky MT region for over 30 yrs, I truly appreciate how technology allows us to stay connected. Keep up the great work! Best wishes, Robyn Mundy Editor-in-Chief, #BillsMafia
What a great story. So glad he’s getting along. Miss seeing you on the news and special stories. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you so much!!!! 🙂
wow! thank yo so much! It really is a labor of love – I’m enjoying every moment. Thank you for your support!!!!!
Thank you, Mary , for doing this wonderful story. So many people in our area and beyond have wondered about Shield and how he is doing. Seems like he is surrounded with lots of love. He looks so happy and that means so much. Thank you for what you do.
This is so awesome, Mary! Good job!
GREAT uplifting story to a sad situation, well done sis…..#teamshield ?❤
You ROCK Mary! Love love love this story and love Shield so much!! So glad to hear your good report. He has been on my mind every single day!
Mary thank you for a Beautifully written and shared update. Looking forward to more. Blessings.
Hi Mary!
I reeally enjoy your blog; especially this story! For some reason, this really affected me, more than a lot of news stories. Thank you for all your “updates” on Buffalo and current affairs. I truly LOVE WNY because we have the BEST people right here! Keep up the great work, while enjoying your beautiful family!
Hugs – Sandy
Wonderful article! Can you tell me where the K9 officers Home base is? My son and some of his hockey friends would love to bring some treats to the officers and Shield. Thank you!!
Wonderful story! Thank you for giving us an update Mary!
Thanks for sharing this update post. I know a lot of people were wondering.
Any new news on Shield?? It’s been a bit just wondering if he has gotten a new partner yet??