Fosgate's Fozzie Bear

"Yogi"

Yogi was born September 19th, 1989 and named "Fosgate's Fozzie Bear."  When his soon to be partner for life, Officer Jerry Nichols went to pick him out of the litter he had every intention of naming him "Fred."   "Yogi" was much better and it sure fit him!

Yogi fit right in his new house, getting along with his 'brother "Gizmo" and learning how to share his toys.  Yogi went right to work learning every day with his new partner.  They worked hard and became a great team. 

Yogi was placed it the K9 Unit in 1990 after being placed on a trial basis by one of the Chief's.  Yogi and Jerry worked very hard, and Yogi became not only a good trailing dog, but he also excelled at Decomp work. 

Jerry and Yogi attended many training seminars learning something new at each one.  Yogi even learned what rattlesnakes smelled like and that they are bad and should be avoided!  He never forgot this lesson.  De-Snaking is a great tool and it can save a dog's life.   No dogs are bitten and no snakes are hurt in the process.

Yogi made many appearances and he loved to be around children.  As with most bloodhounds he had the gentlest of temperaments.  Yogi survived 'Bloat' and worked with severely dysplastic hips.   He logged many miles in the work he did, yet never slowed down.

As a team, Jerry and Yogi worked 476 cases for over 70 Federal, State & Local Agencies in 8 states.  Due to their work, they have been instrumental in Appellate Court decisions in Colorado, regarding bloodhound evidence.  The above pictures are from Yogi's last active manhunt.  One Denver Officer was killed and another ambushed. 

Yogi passed over the "Rainbow Bridge" in June of 1998 as a result of cancer.  Only one week before that, he worked a homicide case, and he was happy to be working.