March 3, 2000 – October 22, 2008
Born March 3, 2000 in Farmington Hills Michigan Gunner was selected at eight weeks old to be a police service dog. Gunner and his handler Jeremy Jennings then began the bonding phase of their partnership. At fifteen weeks old he began his training at the Midwest Michigan Police K9 Academy with Master Trainer Larry Mifsud.
In 2001 Gunner became fully certified as a police service dog. Gunner was trained in tracking, narcotics detection, obedience, protection and article/evidence recovery. Gunner served with three different county police agencies and was responsible for several suspect apprehensions. Gunner also assisted in several narcotics finds in the county.
Gunner and his handler volunteered their time during most of his career. Gunner did several demonstrations at several schools in the community over his career. Gunner was a very loving dog who enjoyed chasing squirrels and playing Frisbee with his sister Bella. He also loved going for rides with his head out the window and the wind blowing on his face.
Gunner died unexpectedly in his home in the early morning hours on October 22, 2008 while with his father. He is survived by his father Jeremy Jennings his mother Rachel Jennings and his sister Bella Jennings.
He will be greatly missed by many and forgotten by none.
“Guardians Of The Night”
Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath When all others have left you And the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles, And search out those who might wish harm to others. All I ask of you is compassion, The caring touch of your hands. It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life And spend my nights unrested. Although our days together May be marked by the passing of the seasons Know that each day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by The coming and going of your footsteps. I anticipate them at every opening of the door. You are the voice of caring when I am ill. The voice of authority when I’ve done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly For I am your right arm, The sword at your side. I attempt to do only what you bid of me. I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.
Together you and I shall experience A bond only others like us will understand When outsiders see us together Their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you And pass no judgment, Nor will your spoken words be repeated I will remain ever silent, Ever vigilant, ever loyal. And when our time together is done And you move on in the world Remember me with kind thoughts and tales, For a time we were unbeatable, Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight, I am a Police Working Dog and together We are guardians of the night.
