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In stressful times, dogs truly can be a man or woman’s best friend. 

Abe, a K-9 officer assigned to the Winchester Police Department, did just that and more. 

Abe, a 100 pound Golden Doodle, passed away on Monday, March 10, following a short and aggressive bout with cancer. 

He was six years old. 

“In January…I noticed he was acting [differently]. I took him to the veterinarian and they found a mass that was located around his colon,” said Winchester Police Department Captain Steve Charles, who was also Abe’s handler and was recommended to an oncologist in Louisville. “They came back with some pretty grave news that the cancer was terminal.” 

Abe, who first came to the Winchester Police Department in the fall of 2023, was primarily utilized as a Winchester/Clark County Public Schools Therapy Dog. 

As such, the golden doodle – who loved giving and receiving public affection – was beneficial in more ways than one. 

“He loved kids. He loved being around kids, and kids would just flock to him,” Charles added. “He also was a great tool whenever we would go to interview children who were victims of crimes. We would take him with us, and he would…lay on them and let them love on him while we were able to ask them questions.” 

The dog’s ability to provide comfort and support extended beyond the classroom, where the high-stakes world of policing can create its own challenges. 

“During the day, he’d hang out with dispatch…he would lay under their desk. They’d take him for walks [to] get out of the office because, obviously, they’re taking calls that are pretty dramatic at times,” Charles said. “Decompressing in there is difficult…so it’s good to get out of the room.”

When Monday came and it became clear that Abe’s time with the department had come to an end, he was recognized by both WPD and others—including the Winchester Fire Department—as an officer who’d performed his duty.

“The Fire Department put up their large flag. We set up a gauntlet for him to walk through to be saluted and honored,” Charles added. “We had an American flag draped over him after he was laid to rest, [allowing] persons to come through and pay their respects.” 

Abe, who will be cremated, will have his ashes remain at Winchester Police Department – where he meant so much to so many. 

“The outpouring on social media has been amazing, seeing everyone tell their stories about how much he impacted them,” Charles added. 

In addition to what’s been mentioned, Captain Charles responded when asked if anything in particular about Abe stood out. 

“Abe was the calmest big dog I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. “He really helped bridge that gap between police and the public….he served his purpose.”