Rexi, a Gloucester Sheriff’s Office canine, and his handler, GSO Deputy Phil Lutz, were at Gloucester’s Tractor Supply on Saturday where county residents had the opportunity to offer both their best wishes for Rexi’s retirement.

A posting on the sheriff’s office Facebook page in November had announced Rexi’s retirement after three and a half years with the GSO. The announcement was made “with a heavy heart,” which is what Lutz displayed as he explained why the dog was retiring from service.

Lutz said Rexi had an old back injury, which he did not show symptoms of until November. Although Rexi had passed health screenings in the past, the most recent X-rays now clearly showed the damage.

Lutz said he believes the injury occurred in Afghanistan, where Rexi worked for three years with U.S. armed forces at a forward operating base prior to joining the GSO. What Lutz knew was that the damage meant it was time for his buddy to retire.

As a surpris...