PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – K9 Veterans Day is a national day reminds us to appreciate the working dogs in our communities.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office has a retired K9 whose name is Drago. K9 Drago retired in October 2024 after six years of service.
Sergeant Taylor Phillips and K9 Drago were paired in 2018. They went through training together and then K9 Drago joined Sgt. Phillips at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
K9 Drago responded to roughly 60 to 70s calls per year throughout his six year service to our community.
Sgt. Phillips said K9 Drago has helped keep her safe while on the job.
“Drago had a lot of success in his career, a couple notable ones for me would probably be his final apprehension, where he really kept myself and another deputy and other officers safe at that time and really helped a bad person not get away from us that would have likely gotten away if we had not had a dog,” said Phillips.
Sgt. Phillips made the decision to retire K9 Drago after he started developing arthritis. She said she wanted to make sure he wouldn’t be overworked and could enjoy retirement.
Sgt. Phillips said he misses working for the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
“Drago’s retirement in the beginning was tough for him. He wanted to still go to work every day and he still, he still does. But he’s recognized that he has to stay home, and he spends his time sleeping on his dog bed and napping and watching over the house. So, he’s enjoying it now. It has taken some time to transition,” said Phillips.
Since K9 Drago’s retirement, Sgt. Phillips has taken on another K9 named Demon. K9 Demon is just as dedicated to her work as K9 Drago was.
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