Canine Lonca: From Badge to Belly Rubs – A Legend in Retirement
With a nose for justice and a knack for making his human family chuckle, PSD Lonca, an eleven-year-old German Shepherd, is a true legend of the Toronto Police Service, now enjoying a well-deserved, slightly silly, retirement. For six years, Lonca served with distinction as a general-purpose Police Service Dog, his paws hitting the pavement (and occasionally, suspect backsides) in the pursuit of public safety.
Lonca’s career was marked by numerous arrests and impressive property finds. He was the four-legged force multiplier, the furry freight train of justice. He had a nose that could locate a needle in a haystack, or more accurately, discarded evidence from fleeing felons.
Take, for instance, a sweltering summer night when a crew of high-end car bandits thought they’d made a clean getaway after crashing their ill-gotten gains into a tree. Despite extensive searching by human officers, the suspects remained at large. Enter PC Balice and K9 Lonca, arriving on the scene hours later. Undeterred by the “contamination” left by less-sensitive sniffers, Lonca deployed his finely tuned olfactory system and locked onto a track. This wasn’t a simple stroll; it was a multi-kilometre odyssey through residential backyards and across blocks. The trail of breadcrumbs wasn’t stale pastry, but discarded keys, wallets, and even weapons, strategically tossed in bushes by the fleeing culprits. After a relentless two to three-kilometer pursuit, approximately three hours after the initial crash, Lonca, the four-legged bloodhound of the TPS, located two suspects attempting to master the art of invisibility between two homes. Their hiding skills, it turns out, were no match for a determined German Shepherd. The bandits were apprehended without further incident, a testament to Lonca’s perseverance and skill.
Another call showcased Lonca’s ability to assist in the most serious of investigations. Called out by Homicide detectives to search a wooded area near a crime scene, Lonca was tasked with the challenging job of locating discarded evidence from an incident that had occurred two days prior. The team focused their search near where a shot was believed to have been fired. Despite the passage of time and the natural elements, Lonca’s incredible nose prevailed. After an extensive search, approximately 300 yards from the scene, Lonca located the rifle used in the shooting, seemingly tossed away by the suspect for reasons known only to them. This find provided crucial evidence for the investigation, highlighting the invaluable role of K9 units in complex cases.
Now retired and living with his handler, PC Balice, and his family, Lonca has traded in his patrol duties for the demanding life of leisure. He’s adapted admirably, embracing the softer side of life with gusto. While his crime-fighting days may be behind him, Lonca still brings heroism and humor into the home.
Life with a retired police dog isn’t without its comical moments. For example, a simple ear scratch can quickly escalate into a full-blown, four-on-the-floor leg-kicking extravaganza, as if he’s trying to outrun an imaginary perp in his sleep. And perhaps the most endearing (and slightly embarrassing) quirk? Lonca, the fearless former PSD, is absolutely terrified of his own farts. A sudden “toot” will send him scrambling for cover, a stark contrast to the brave K9 who faced down dangerous suspects. He also apparently fancies himself a critic of nature documentaries, often joining in with the barks and howls of animals on the television, offering his expert K9 commentary.
While his spirit remains as strong as ever, Lonca is currently navigating the common canine challenge of allergies. The culprit – be it seasonal or food-related – is still under investigation, and his diet is being adjusted with a change from turkey to fish protein in his veterinarian-approved Hurraw dehydrated food, a perk of his distinguished service. While allergies can sometimes lead to chronic skin or ear issues later in life, with the dedicated care he receives, Lonca is facing this minor hurdle with the same resilience he showed on the streets of Toronto.
From tracking down dangerous criminals and locating vital evidence to being startled by his own bodily functions and providing unsolicited critiques of wildlife programming, PSD Lonca has lived a life of purpose, bravery, and unexpected comedy. He is a reminder that even the most heroic figures deserve a comfortable, slightly goofy, retirement filled with belly rubs and the occasional dramatic leg-kick. Welcome to Ned’s Wish.
Did you know that in 2016, PSD Lonca was inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame in 2016 for his exceptional bravery on November 23, 2015, find out why here