10/06/2026
🐾 RETIREMENT ALERT! 🐾
After nearly 10 years of dedicated service to the Town of Wells, Maine, Canine Bacchus is officially hanging up his collar! Bacchus has been a beloved member of our community, faithfully serving alongside his human partners and making a lasting impact along the way. Now it’s time for this good boy to trade in his work days for family time, long walks, plenty of treats, and some well-deserved relaxation.
Before officially heading into retirement, Bacchus sat down with the Wells Public Information Officer Rebekah Kelley and asked to reflect on his career, his work with Adam, his favorite memories, and what he has planned for his next chapter.
🐾When did you begin your career with the Wells Police Department?
I began my career in February of 2017 when I was 9 months old following in the footsteps of my predecessor, Proxy.
🐾What did a typical workday look like for you?
A typical day consists of jumping in the back of the cruiser which is where my uncontrollable excitement starts. Once those blue and white flashing lights kick on and the sirens blare, my excitement is so much that I cannot keep it in and bark the entire time! I then look forward to getting to the calls so I can help my partner in any way possible! I also like when we take time during shifts to get out and practice so we are always ready to go when someone needs us.
🐾What are you most known for around the department?
I am most known for my nose and all the great work that it can do! I am also known for making sure to bark over the radio, making it hard for others to hear what my partner is saying.
🐾What is your favorite part of the job or most memorable moment?
My favorite part of my job is whenever I get to come out and work. When I am working, I am in heaven, especially when I find what I was searching for and get my reward from my partner! The most memorable part of my career was when my partner and I responded to assist with two people who had stolen a motorcycle. Long story short, I was able to sniff out both of the people involved so that my two-legged counterparts could speak with them. Another highlight was helping another agency locate a fi***rm which was used in an attempted murder. They called for my partner and I to respond 13 hours after the fi***rm was thrown into the woods, and I was able to locate it in four minutes!
🐾What is it like working with Captain Shaw?
I have to say, I get so excited any time I see Captain Shaw coming towards me! I appreciate him because he lets me do my thing and does not try and tell me what my nose is sniffing, he just follows my tail and lets me do what I am good at so that we can find what we are looking for. Captain Shaw and I are alike, as he too never stops talking. His energy and mine match, and we both enjoy listening to some music. I am also really good with directions, like he is, but I will bark even louder when I know we have arrived at one of my favorite spots!
🐾What are your plans for retirement?
I plan to enjoy my retirement by running around in the yard and giving my brother and sister plenty of kisses while they pet me. It is, however, always difficult for a service dog like me to shut my brain off, take a step back and not want to do the job 24/7. But like anyone who has aged, my brain says I can, while my body says maybe I shouldn’t.
🐾What finals words would you like to leave with the Wells community before officially retiring?
I want the Wells Community to know how much they all mean to me. The times spent at HarborFest being petted and giving the little two-legged friends kisses when they would come up close to me was probably the most rewarding and best part of my job. I cannot repay in words the love that this Town has given to me, but they should know that they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Of course, we couldn't send Bacchus into retirement without hearing from the partner who has served alongside Bacchus.
What has it been like serving alongside Bacchus, and what will you remember most about your years working together?
I can say that I will remember how amazing it was to watch him work. I would be following him on a track and think that he must be losing it because what we are doing does not make sense. Next thing I know, Bacchus and I have found the person we are looking for and brought them back safely.
I was also always amazed at Bacchus’ patience. He would sit and have a classroom full of kids swarm him, and he could take a step back into me, let me ask them to wait their turn, and then he would allow everyone to pet him while he had soft caring eyes for them.
Bacchus is correct in stating that he was very loud when we were going to calls, and my hearing has probably suffered for it, but the work that he did for the community, as well as surrounding communities, will never be forgotten. Bacchus and I will also miss the connections we developed with our training partners at Working Dog Foundation
Thank you, Bacchus, for nearly a decade of service, dedication, and wagging tails. We wish you a very happy retirement you’ve certainly earned it!
📸 - Sue Travers Photography
