Living with a Police Service Dog (PSD) is unlike any other experience, it’s a blend of professional partnership and family life that creates a truly unique bond. For Canine Unit handlers like those at the VPD, the relationship with their dog isn’t limited to the shift; it continues at home, shaping daily routines and family dynamics.
Today we chat with VPD Constable Zach Fedora who offers a glimpse into what his relationship looks like with his canine partner, PSD Ghost, both on duty and at home. Zach has been a VPD officer for 17 years, with much of his time spent on patrol and with the Beat Enforcement Team in the Downtown Eastside. This challenging and fast-paced work provided him with a strong foundation to move into the VPD Canine Unit almost 10 years ago.
“Becoming part of this team was always a career goal for me, and stepping into it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” says Constable Fedora. “It’s not just a job it’s a lifestyle and a partnership you live with every day.”
What is one of the most memorable calls you and PSD Ghost have attended?
“One that stands out to me was a break and enter near Horseshoe Bay where three suspects drove a truck into a store and then fled on foot. We worked alongside the RCMP and West Vancouver Police to contain the area and track them. Ghost and I were on that call for over six hours, and after about four hours of searching, he located one of the suspects hiding on a golf course. What struck me most was how he never quit. His determination stayed high the entire time. As his handler, I was incredibly proud in that moment; it reminded me of the trust between us and the heart these dogs bring to the job.”
Is there ongoing training that continues at home, even when you’re not on shift?
“Yes, training never really stops. Even on days off, I’ll work obedience drills or focus on conditioning. Ghost is a high-drive dog and keeping him sharp is about consistency and balance. A few short sessions built into daily life go a long way, but I also make sure he gets time to just be a dog.”
How does Ghost transition from “work mode” to “home mode”?
“He reads the signals really well. When the uniform, gear, and truck come out, he’s fully locked into work mode. At home, he relaxes. That ability to shift gears so naturally is one of the things that amazes me most about him.”
What does a typical day at home look like for Ghost when he’s off duty?
“When he’s off duty, Ghost enjoys a laid-back routine. He hangs out with the family, goes for walks, and spends time outside either in his kennel or in the yard. One of his favorite things is playing with our other dog, Rosie. They’ll chase each other around and keep each other busy. At home, he’s not a ‘police dog,’ he’s just part of the family enjoying a normal day.”
Can you tell us more about the dynamic between Rosie and Ghost?
“Rosie and Ghost get along really well. They spend a lot of time together, whether it’s chasing each other around the yard or just lying side by side. Having Rosie around gives Ghost extra companionship when he’s off duty, and you can tell he enjoys the social time with her.”
What kind of relaxation or playtime activities do you and Ghost (and other family members) enjoy together at home? Does he vacation with your family?
“Ghost loves tug, fetch, and swimming in the summer. With the kids, it’s more about gentle interaction. He’s happy to be part of whatever they’re doing. Rosie is often right there alongside him, so playtime usually turns into both dogs entertaining the family. For vacations, we usually go on road trips or go camping, and Ghost comes along whenever we can make it work. He’s part of the family adventure.”
How does your family, especially your kids, interact with Ghost?
“The kids know to respect Ghost’s space when he’s eating or resting, but otherwise he’s very gentle with them and fits right into their world. My four year old likes to hold his leash on walks. Rosie is a big part of that dynamic too. The two dogs often play together while the kids are outside, and it’s become a routine that everyone enjoys. The kids have grown up understanding the difference between Ghost as a working partner and Ghost as a family dog and seeing him with Rosie has only made that bond stronger.”
Are there any special accommodations you make at home for Ghost?
“We’ve set up a secure kennel for him where he can see the coming and goings of the house but is safe. Regular exercise is key, and I’ll mix in scent games or obedience drills to keep him mentally engaged. Those little adjustments help him stay balanced between work and family life.”
What has surprised you the most about living full-time with a Police Service Dog?
“I’ve had a working dog in my life for over 13 years, starting back in 2012 when I raised my first couple of puppies. Even after all that time, they never cease to amaze me. It’s not just their intelligence or their fearlessness, it’s their willingness to do whatever you ask without hesitation. That kind of trust and commitment is humbling, and it’s what makes living with and working alongside a Police Service Dog such a unique experience.”
Work-life balance for all of VPD’s Police Service Dogs look just like what Constable Fedora provides for PSD Ghost. They all move seamlessly from high-stakes police work to playful companions in the backyard, demonstrating not only their incredible discipline but also their capacity for warmth and playfulness. At the heart of it all is a deep trust and loyalty between handler and dog, built through years of training, shared challenges, and everyday life together.
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