MUMBAI, Aug. 23 -- For a police dog, retirement is usually more than hanging up the leash. After a decade of chasing leads, sniffing out explosives and tracking suspects, many struggle with retired life, and adjusting to adoptive parents. But Maharashtra's police dogs may no longer have to leave the force they served so loyally. The state government has decided to work out a system that will allow retired dogs to spend their final years with their police family, especially their handlers with whom they have formed deep bonds. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state's home minister, has asked the administration to prepare a post-retirement plan for these canines. The decision comes after the home department submitted a report on how police dogs struggle after their ten-year service on the force. Separated from their handlers, many even stop eating after being moved to new homes. "After 10 years of loyal service, it is not right that they should suffer after retirement. Although animals, we must take care of them. We must make sure they spend their retirement happily within the police force, which has been their home and where they have served with distinction," Fadnavis told senior officials. A police dog enlists with the force while still a pup. Although just six to nine weeks old, they are rigorously trained before they are assigned their mission. For some, it's sniffing out explosives and narcotic drugs; for others it's locating humans trapped in debris during rescue operations; and for still others it's a racier life chasing criminals. Over the years, strong emotional bonds develop between the dogs and their handlers. It is this separation many cannot cope with after they leave the force. So, instead of giving them up for adoption, the home department plans to foot the bill for their lifelong upkeep within the force - for food, healthcare and other expenses. Officials said police dogs typically live for around 18 months after retirement. It may be a small gesture, but it carries a lot of heart....