Yogi's Story
| Yogi was born September 19, 1989. He soon joined his partner-for-life, Officer Jerry Nichols of the Aurora (CO) Police Department. Yogi fit right in at his new house, learning how to share toys with another dog mate. Every day Yogi went to work with his partner, Officer Nichols. They worked hard to become a great team. Yogi placed into the K-9 Unit of the Aurora Police Department in 1990 after a trial period. Together with Officer Nichols, he worked hard to be a good trailing dog, and soon excelled at Decomp work. They attended many training seminars, learning new techniques and methods at each one. Yogi even learned what rattlesnakes smelled like and how to avoid them. De-snaking is a vital skill that can save a dog's life out tracking in the wilds. During the training no dogs are bitten or snakes hurt. Yogi made many appearances in his day, and loved children. As with most Bloodhounds, he had a gentle temperament. |
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As he aged he survived "bloat" and severely dysplastic hips, but logged many miles in his work and never slowed down. As a team, Officer Nichols and Yogi worked on 476 cases for over 70 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in eight states. Due to their outstanding work, they were instrumental in a decision by the Appellate Court of Colorado regarding the admission of evidence obtained by K-9 units and Bloodhounds. Yogi passed away in June 1998 from cancer. Only one week before his passing he worked on a homicide case, clearly happy to be working with his friend and partner, Officer Nichols. The most high-profile case for Yogi was Alie Berrelez's abduction and murder in 1993. After the young girl went missing for three days, Yogi was taken to the home of Alie where he picked up a trail. He followed Alie's scent for over 14 miles to where she was located on the fourth day. Sadly, Alie was not alive when she was found. Yogi and Officer Nichols were featured on several television programs for the astounding tracking of Alie. Investigative work continues on the kidnapping and homicide case since it remains unsolved. |
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