Team Kirtland’s MWD Boris retires Published March 29, 2019 By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier Kirtland Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Military Working Dog Boris officially hung up his badge at his retirement ceremony, March 26, 2018. “It’s good to bring everybody together and celebrate his eight years of service,” said Staff Sgt. Austin Clark, 377th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. “We definitely thank him for everything he’s done for not just us handlers but for the base as well.” Boris was born in the Netherlands on June 3, 2009, and graduated MWD basic training on 13 April, 2011. From there, he served his entire career at Kirtland Air Force Base. “Our MWDs live their entire lives to work, train and protect their handlers,” said Col. Theodore Breuker, 377th Security Forces Group Commander. “Whatever can happen to a handler on duty, can also happen to the MWD, for better or for worse. He spent over eight years, or more than 56 dog years, here at Kirtland. Who can beat 56 years of active duty?” During his eight human years here at Kirtland, Boris executed his job as a patrol and narcotics dog admirably, aiding in the detection of 85 drug finds and deploying to Afghanistan. His career has not been without its challenges, however, as Boris has suffered heat related injuries, as well as battling and prevailing over cancer. “It’s time to let him enjoy the last years he has,” said Breuker. “His former handler, [Staff] Sgt. Clark is in the very final stages of official adoption to take him home for good. So happy trails Boris, I wish you a future full of many trees, snacks and a couple of squirrels to chase.” Clark helped take care of Boris through his battle with cancer, and he is looking forward to helping Boris enjoy retirement. “He loves to cuddle,” he said. “His breath is sometimes a little bad but we can work on that.”