As Bart's breeder, I watched him come into this world. He almost died. He was small and not strong as his littermates. He wasn’t breathing. His lifeless little body lay limp in my hands. I rubbed him gently and blew little breaths into his mouth. He then had taken his first breath. The most wonderful feeling came over me. I had saved his life. I thought at the moment, if I had not been there would he have made it – maybe not.  

He was always one of a kind puppy from day one. I always called him my little Schutzhund dog. Trying my best to find the perfect home for him only lasted a little over 2 years with much frustration. As I tried for the second time to find another home for him was even more difficult. He was a highly intelligent dog with a lot of drive that now came with some bad habits and little training. But, meant-to-be, those first owners donated him to the Minneapolis police department. It was the best thing they had ever done for Bart. He passed all the requirements in little time for becoming a police dog.  

Bart was then given to officer/trainer William Lundquist in September of 1994 after losing his previous German Shepherd. Lundquist & Bart successfully became the best of partners for 5 years on the K-9 unit. After those 5 years Lundquist and Bart retired together. 

It wasn't until a year or so later after Lundquist and Bart’s retirement that Lundquist worried for his many young grandchildren that would come over to his house daily. In Bart's earlier years with his first owners had been tormented by little children near his yard. He seemed to never get over that. With Lundquist’s professional working-dog training skills helped a lot to restructure Bart’s attitude towards children -- but did not completely. 

Help came right around the corner for Lundquist & Bart. A Minneapolis undercover officer knew Lundquist well and offered to care for Bart. For Lundquist, giving up his partner was one of the hardest things he had ever done but there were no other options for this retired K-9. As the months went by Bart grew to love his new handler. Lundquist kept in touch with them constantly. Then as many months went by Lundquist and his wife Pat finally made the trip over to see Bart again. The meeting was very emotional. Bart saw Lundquist walking towards Bart’s new home. He barked at him. As Lundquist came closer Bart charged him with delight.  When it came time for Lundquist and Pat to leave, Bart followed them to their car as if to say, “the babysitting with my new handler is over with.” With only 1 command the undercover officer called Bart back to the house – eagerly he returned. …We can only imagine how confusing this must be for any dog at a time like that. One can only try our best to make all situations in life run smoothly as possible. For the ‘white guy,’ thank heavens for all of the wonderful chances he had been given in his triumphant life. 

Bart’s handlers said that he was gallant to the end. His devotion to these 2 police officers was evident. Bart is buried at the Minneapolis police K-9 kennels. His resting place is at the top of a hill. The grounds are maintained by a group of people who are very dedicated and keep the flowers groomed and watered with large rocks surrounding it. A large police badge stands at the entrance area and it is really nice. It was fitting that Bart be placed in such a location.  

In loving memory, officer Lundquist gave Bart’s police ID card to the undercover officer. Lundquist said that was his final separation from the police department as the connection is no longer there. Also, Lundquist said that the undercover officer plans on getting another dog, but none will compare with that cute little white, born in that litter of June 7, 1991. 

Kathy Partch 

"No day is over if it makes a Memory."