UXBRIDGE, Mass. - From working dog to a healthy retirement. This transition can be difficult for both a K9 officer and their handler and lawmakers want to make sure they're receiving the benefits they need.

Bear recently retired from his role as a K9 officer in Uxbridge after nearly a decade on the job.

He was trained in both patrol and narcotics detection with his handler Officer Tom Stockwell.  

Stockwell said throughout a K9’s career, they train hard and work hard, which can do a lot of damage to their body.

Dakota’s Law is a proposed bill in Massachusetts, which would set up a dedicated fund for the care of retired K9s who served the state.

"These dogs, basically their entire lifespan is working,” said Officer Stockwell. “And when they're working, they're protecting the community, they're protecting their handler, fellow officers. And just like a human counterpart, you know, we get a pension. If we're injured on duty, we get taken care of by the agency. And for the most part, once we sign these dogs over to the family, they're not forgotten, but they're just not getting the same aftercare as the human counterparts."

Lawmakers refiled Dakota’s Law in this latest legislative session.

Part of Uxbridge is in state Representative Joe McKenna’s district. 

He signed on to support the bill.