‘Rest in peace, Abby’: Retired Laconia Police K9 dies at age 10

LACONIA — City police are mourning the loss of retired K9 Abby.

“K-9 Abby dedicated his career to protecting the City of Laconia with courage, loyalty, and unwavering determination. More than a police K-9, he was a trusted partner, a faithful companion, and a valued member of our department,” reads the department’s Facebook post.

Abby, 10, died suddenly on July 25.

His partner, Officer Kyle Jepsen, knows firsthand the legacy Abby leaves for the community.

“I’d say that working Abby was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. He was the best partner I’ll ever have. He taught me how to be a much better officer and even a better person in general,” he wrote in an email. “He went into every deployment we had with zero fear and gave it everything he had every time. He was tough to handle at times but he was a great cop.”

Abby was trained in tracking and narcotics detection, said Police Chief Matt Canfield. 

"He was trained in tracking. He was very astute in tracking. Not only suspects, but lost individuals, like adults with dementia or children that were missing," he said.

Jepsen was partnered with Abby for eight years, and said it was hard to summarize that time in just a few short words. Canfield was able to help. 

"K9 Abby was an asset to us. He came on board at a time when we were really accelerating our K9 program, and brought the standards of the unit further," he said. "We have fond memories of K9 Abby doing demos for the public, as well as serving."

The community came out in droves, leaving messages in Abby’s honor and consolations for Jepsen and the department.

“My thoughts are with Officer Jepsen and everyone in the department who had the privilege of serving with Abby. His impact on Laconia will not be forgotten, and his years of service will always be appreciated,” wrote Mayor Mike Bordes on the Facebook post. “Thank you, K‑9 Abby, for protecting our city and standing faithfully by your partner’s side.”

Nearby police departments also shared condolences.

“Our hearts are with Officer Jepson, his family and the Laconia Police Department. Rest easy good boy,” Gilford Police posted on Facebook.

“Our hearts are with Officer Jepsen and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside K-9 Abby. Thank you for your many years of service.”

In October, at a police department awards ceremony, K9 Abby will be formally honored. 

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.