Peel Police Honour Beloved K9 Qaybre After His Passing at Age 13
A Community Reflects on the Legacy of a Dedicated Service Dog
The Peel Regional Police Service is paying tribute to one of its most respected retired working dogs, Qaybre — affectionately known across the region as “Q” — following his death at 13 years old. The news has prompted an outpouring of respect from officers, community members, and those who had followed his remarkable career in Brampton and Mississauga. His passing marks the end of a chapter for a K9 who served nearly a decade on the front lines, assisting in thousands of calls and helping protect countless residents.
A Distinguished Career Shaped by Service
Nearly Nine Years of Frontline Contributions
Qaybre, designated under the call-sign K9-3, served with the Peel Regional Police K9 Unit for close to nine years, working side-by-side with his handler and partner, Sgt. Jennifer Dagg. Throughout his career, he played a critical role in supporting officers across a wide range of investigations, from break-and-enters to robberies to missing-persons cases. According to the police service, Qaybre was involved in thousands of operational calls and contributed to hundreds of arrests.
For officers who worked alongside him, Qaybre was more than a police dog. He was a trusted partner — one who acted with instinct, discipline, and unwavering loyalty. The service noted in a formal release that Qaybre “took handler protection to heart and always had his partner’s back,” a sentiment echoed widely by those familiar with his work. His reliability in high-pressure situations earned him respect within the unit, while his calm demeanor in public engagements made him a favourite during community demonstrations.
A Memorable Final Operation
In the months leading up to his retirement in July 2021, Qaybre participated in one last operation that would come to define the spirit of his service. Responding to a call about a missing elderly man, Qaybre and Sgt. Dagg began an extensive search that stretched over a challenging terrain. After tracking tirelessly, Qaybre located the individual, ultimately saving the man’s life. It was a final act of dedication that symbolized his entire career: determined, focused, and life-preserving.
For many within the service, that rescue remains one of the clearest examples of why police dogs like Qaybre are considered indispensable members of law enforcement teams. His actions demonstrated the critical role trained K9s play in time-sensitive, high-risk incidents — often serving as the difference between tragedy and relief.
Life After Retirement
A Well-Earned Rest With Family
When Qaybre officially retired from active duty in 2021, he transitioned from police life to a peaceful home environment, living with Sgt. Dagg and her family. Retirement for a working dog often requires adjustment, but Q embraced it fully. Police described him as a dog who enjoyed the simple pleasures of his newfound freedom: swimming, playing fetch, and indulging in the occasional steak dinner — a luxury befitting a dog with such an accomplished career.
Those who knew him often remarked on his gentle yet energetic personality. While he was fearless on duty, he transformed into an affectionate, easygoing companion at home. His retirement, though shorter than many had hoped, offered him years filled with comfort and companionship.
A Legacy Etched in the K9 Unit’s History
The Peel Regional Police emphasized that although Qaybre’s retirement was cut short, his impact on the service and the broader community would not fade. In their words, his “exemplary service and significant contributions” will be remembered with “deep respect and heartfelt gratitude.” His legacy now stands alongside the many K9s who have shaped the reputation and effectiveness of the unit across the years.
The Second Loss for the K9 Unit This Year
Remembering Max, Another Honoured Retiree
Qaybre’s passing marks the second loss for the Peel police K9 unit in 2025. Earlier in August, the service announced the death of Max, another retired police dog who lived to 15 years old. Max had concluded his career only a year before his passing and, like Qaybre, had left a meaningful mark on the service.
The close timing of these losses has resonated deeply within the K9 community. Retired dogs, much like retired officers, continue to hold an important place in the hearts of those who served with them. Their departures underscore the bond between handlers and their canine partners — a connection forged through high-stakes situations, rigorous training, and constant teamwork.
Understanding the Role of the Peel Police K9 Unit
A Vital Resource in Investigations
Peel Regional Police maintain a specialized K9 unit consisting of 15 officer–canine teams. These teams undergo extensive training to handle diverse and demanding tasks, including tracking suspects, detecting narcotics or explosives, searching for missing individuals, and supporting tactical operations.
The service regularly highlights the importance of these teams, noting that they are “a vital resource in investigations.” Their expertise allows officers to respond to situations that require specific detection skills or rapid tracking abilities — capabilities that human officers cannot replicate.
New Teams Strengthen the Unit’s Future
In early November, Peel police introduced six new K9 teams, marking one of the largest expansions in recent years. These new teams completed two years of specialized training before joining active duty. Their addition ensures continuity within the unit and reinforces its operational strength following the retirement and loss of long-standing members like Qaybre and Max.
Integrating new K9s into the service also allows experienced handlers to mentor upcoming teams, ensuring that the knowledge gained from years of operations — including the examples set by dogs like Q — continues shaping future training standards.
A Community Remembers
Public Response to the Announcement
News of Qaybre’s passing has prompted reflections across the community, with many residents recalling public demonstrations where Q and his fellow K9s showcased their skills. Social media posts from Peel Regional Police honour his memory, with numerous comments expressing gratitude for his service.
In many ways, Qaybre represented the broader connection between residents and the police service — a visible reminder of the dedication invested in protecting the region. His presence at community events, school visits, and open houses helped build trust and familiarity, especially among children who were often fascinated by the confidence and discipline of police dogs.
The Human Side of Policing
While statistics and achievements illustrate Qaybre’s contributions, his story also highlights the personal dimension of policing. Relationships between handlers and K9s are built on trust, constant training, and shared experiences in often-dangerous environments. Losing a retired service dog can feel, to many within the unit, like losing a fellow officer.
Sgt. Dagg’s partnership with Qaybre spanned the entirety of his career and retirement, making his loss deeply personal. Yet the tributes offered by colleagues and community members alike affirm the lasting value of their teamwork and the admiration it earned.
Looking Ahead While Honouring the Past
A Legacy Carried Forward
As Peel police continue to evolve their K9 program, the legacy of dogs like Qaybre serves as a guidepost. His discipline, instincts, and commitment reflect the standards the unit strives to maintain. With new teams now entering service, the model Qaybre set remains influential — a testament to the importance of seasoned working dogs in shaping training methods and operational expectations.
Final Reflections
Qaybre’s life and career encapsulate the profound impact a police dog can have on a community. From saving lives to solving crimes to strengthening the connection between officers and residents, his contributions were both measurable and meaningful. As the Peel Regional Police Service and the broader community honour his memory, they also celebrate the enduring role K9s play in keeping the region safe.