Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/surfside-search-dog-retires/

When the Surfside condo tragically collapsed in Florida, a search dog named Rit was one of the first responders.

Now the 10-year-old dog is finally retiring after 8 years of saving lives with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue team.

This will actually be Rit’s second attempt at retirement. According to Local10News, the veteran search dog first retired in January, only to be pulled back to work following the deadly condo disaster.

“Within I would say 20 minutes, we were up on the pile searching,” Rit’s human handler, Fire Rescue Capt. Rolando Busto, told the station. “He was the first dog that I brought out that we searched with.”

Now the golden lab will get to enjoy retired life with Captain Busto and Guinness, a younger search dog who will be assuming Rit’s duties. We’re sure Guinness is up to the job, but he’s also got some big paws to fill!

“When we started this I never thought we would ever respond to anything as close as Surfside or Hurricane Michael,” said Busto. “It was just an idea and we knew the potential.”

Now after nearly a decade of saving lives, the Florida search dog will get to enjoy civilian life with a pool, friends, and plenty of toys.

“Rit’s retirement is he’s home, he’s in the pool, he’s still chasing balls, it’s his favorite thing to do, and trying to keep Guinness from bothering him too much,” Busto told the station.

Congratulations, Rit! Hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. Thanks for working hard to keep everyone safe over the past 8 years.

Find out more in the video!

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog