The following was written by Randy Schreiner and published as a tribute to his friend and co-worker Darrell Day after the loss of PSD Arry.
On August 14, 1989, the Edmonton Police Service purchased Arry, a large male, black and tan German Shepherd. Upon initial glance, one simply had to smile. Arry had one floppy ear and mannerisms which displayed a sort of "comical enthusiasm." He was assigned to Cst. Darrell Day, and together, began a sixteen week training program.
At the completion of their basic training, the team had their first official shift on Christmas Day. Shortly thereafter, Darrell and Arry responded to an intrusion alarm at a major department store. Arry was deployed and found one subject hiding under a display bed.
Their success in street apprehensions continued. Arry had a gift of non-exhaustive enthusiasm. He was always "up" for the task and never quit trying. There was no doubt he was going to do well on the street.
On June 16, 1990, Darrell and Arry entered a Canadian Kennel Club Tracking Trial and successfully obtained a Tracking Dog title.
On July 4, 1990, Darrell and Arry responded to the Tower Mortgage Building in downtown Edmonton. The building was abandoned, but the property owner was continuously having trouble with youths breaking in and stealing copper wire and tubing. Arry was deployed and as they moved through the building, they continued to find suspects inside. After clearing eight floors, the roof was checked. There was a three foot wall surrounding the roof area and at one point, Arry jumped over the wall and fell to his death. He was almost three years old.
There is so much I would like to say about Arry, how he could make Darrell laugh with his floppy ear and puppy-like antics. He could look so understanding when Darrell was teaching him something new. Arry wanted nothing more than to be a Police Service Dog and I'm certain, was happy at being given the chance.
As Police Dog Handlers, we all realize there is a level of uncertainty involved in our work. Not in the deployment of our partners, nor their efforts; but the fact that situations can drastically change with extreme suddenness, which catches us unprepared for the outcome.
Darrell, it's difficult to find the right words to express how sorry we truly are over the loss of Arry. But do know, that our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family.