Drug-Sniffing Dog Ambles Into Retirement

Images: Varius, a drug-sniffing K9; Varius with his handler, Deputy Patrick Grubar

After 11 years of much-commended service, Varius, a narcotics-sniffing police dog, retired Oct. 8 from service with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.

The 13-year-old black lab will remain in the care of Deputy Patrick Grubar, who has been his partner since they teamed up in 2004 at the U.S. Customs Service K-9 Training Academy.

The duo shared the Arlington County Crime Solvers 2013 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

Now in his 70s in human years, Varius plans to spend his days watching Animal Planet with his pug “little sister” and keeping up with fans on his Facebook account.