WINONA, Minn. – At 9 years Cleo has retired. The K-9’s police handler, Deputy Adam Carlson, has taken her home for good. Carlson said that Cleo is healthy but older dogs are more prone to injury and don’t bounce back as they once did. In an interview with the Winona Daily News, Carlson cited her accomplishments. Among them:
> In subzero temperatures she stood by three hours as officers pursue da subject.
> She sniffed her way to 90 grams of methamphetamine and a cache of cash hidden underneath the hood of a car.
> She located a young girl who had gone missing in a grassy field in rural Wilson Township.
Sometimes, Carlson admitted, Cleo didn’t need to do anything other than just being present. “People would just come out and give up,” he said. Over the years Cleo has been recognized at K-9 shows regionally and nationally. “Cleo is now going to become more of just a pet, Carlson said. “She gets to relax and come and sleep in the house more often.”
Cleo. Side by side with Deputy Carlson.