New London — After a long and sometimes uncertain career with the New London Police Department, K-9 Bessie on Thursday will retire “to a comfortable and well deserved ‘civilian’ lifestyle at home.”

According to Capt. Brian Wright, Bessie joined the force in September 2010 and is 11 years old. From 2010 to 2013, the tracking bloodhound worked with former New London Officer Kyle Gorra, who now works for the state police.

In the summer of 2013, Bessie’s fate with the department became uncertain as former Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said he planned to donate her to another department. Following a City Council resolution requiring the city to maintain at least four K-9 teams, however, Finizio said police could hang on to Bessie.

By September 2013, Bessie had found a new handler in Officer Jeffrey Nichols, with whom she has worked until now. Police said her retirement is age-related.

“After 7½ years of service to the citizens of New London, K-9 Bessie is retiring to a comfortable and well deserved ‘civilian’ lifestyle at home,” police said in a Wednesday Facebook post congratulating the duo on their work.

Nichols remains an active officer with the department.