Bosque Farms K9, handler find new home with VCSO

Dobby, the beloved K9 officer at the Bosque Farms Police Department has found a new home at the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.  

The K9 was sold to the VCSO for $15,000 after being with the BFPD since April 2023. The sale was approved by the Bosque Farms Village Council on Jan 4. 

“We’ve been waiting to have a canine program for several years now; it’s been a long time coming,” said Lt. Pete Alderete of the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputy Brad Killough, who recently traded in his blue uniform of the BFPD for a green VCSO uniform, was reunited with his canine partner, Deputy Dobby.  

“Give the credit to Chief (Andrew) Owen of Bosque Farms, who called me and said, ‘Do you want the dog?’” said Alderete. “He’s like, ‘I mean, we’re gonna charge you; we’re not just gonna give it to you,’ but he threw me a number and I ran it by my sheriff and undersheriff and they were on board.” 

Owen said even though Killough and Dobby left BFPD, the K9 program will be on hold, not terminated. K9s are crucial for officer safety and community policing.  

The sale included all of Dobby’s specialized equipment, such as his harness, bite sleeve and kennel materials. 

“The Bosque Farms K9 program was largely successful due to the handler that dedicated so much time and training to create a successful K9,” said Owen via email.  

When Killough went over to the VCSO, he not only brought with him his 10 years of police experience but is also a certified canine instructor, who single-handedly fast-tracked the VCSO K9 program.   

“It’s my understanding that this is the first canine unit that the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office has ever had as far as a dual-purpose dog,” said Alderete.  

The VCSO does have a reservist who has a canine but that dog serves as a therapy dog. It is not trained in detection and tracking like Deputy Dobby.   

Alderete stated that in the past, the sheriff’s office used to rely on Killough and Dobby when he was with BFPD or Los Lunas Police officer Marcus Taylor and his K9, whenever they required canine assistance. Ironically, most of Dobby’s deployments involved assisting the VSCO. 

When Killough joined the VCSO, he became the first recipient to receive a sign-up bonus of $10,000 in the history of the sheriff’s office, according to Alderete. 

“I wish Deputy Killough and K9 Dobby the best of luck as I know they are a dedicated team and will provide professional services to all of Valencia County,” said Owen.