"He worked in the police for 11 years, I regret his departure" Dritan, this Albanian police officer, evokes a particular retirement.
His colleague is… a dog.
"He is one of us, he is very loyal, affectionate, he has helped us a lot in our work," insists Dritan, his voice full of emotion.
After several years of good and loyal service, the animal must find another master.
Twenty police dogs who can no longer carry out their missions like him are offered at a public auction.
"It's not a classic auction, it has nothing to do with the sale of goods for which a price is fixed, explains Shaqir Bardhoshi, a police dog handler, it's just about him find a person, a family who keeps him, who treats him with compassion and love until the end of his life”.
These dogs are trained in search of drugs, dirty money or even victims such as during earthquakes.
A hectic dog life that interests buyers.
“The children would be happy, they love dogs and a dog can bring them a lot, especially since it's a dog with a whole story to tell,” says Saimir, who has come to buy a dog.
In the ranks of the police, these separations are painful.
Police dog handler Ilir has chosen to keep his animal.
“I decided to keep him, to bring him home, I prepared everything for him, I will not leave him until the last days of his life” relates this moved policeman.