LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- La Porte County Sheriff's Office K9 Bosco, Deputy Jon Samuelson's K9 partner, has officially retired after eight years of service.

Bosco, nicknamed the “Million-Dollar Dog,” is highly respected in the world of highway interdiction throughout the Midwest, according to the sheriff's off.

The duo of Samuelson and Bosco became one of the most successful K9 teams in the region after being assigned full-time to the Highway Interdiction Unit.

Samuelson and Bosco's list of accomplishments over the last eight years include:

• Drug-associated currency seized: $3,378,477
• Cocaine/Crack Cocaine: 55.66 kilograms
• Methamphetamine: 173.73 kilograms
• Heroin: 10.37 kilograms
• Fentanyl: 12.59 kilograms
• Marijuana: 2,093.49 pounds
• THC cartridges: 5,113
• 13 one (1) ounce gold bars
• Vehicles seized: 2

The sheriff's office reports earlier this year, agency administrators had begun discussing the future of Bosco with Samuelson, including whether he wished to remain as a K9 handler following Bosco's retirement.

Officials say Bosco was still performing at a high level but showed subtle signs of aging.

Samuelson decided to continue as a K9 handler with a newly acquired partner, and plans moved forward with Bosco set to retire around July 1 and for Samuelson to select a new K9 on June 26.

On May 22, Samuelson was critically injured. Since that day, officials say Bosco has been cared for by fellow agency K9 handlers and deputies who are familiar with him.

One week ago, it was decided by Samuelson and agency administrators to officially retire Bosco as of July 28.

Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg stated, “Bosco’s impact and legacy are truly remarkable.  His successful finds undoubtedly prevented countless overdoses and saved lives while striking a significant blow against drug trafficking organizations.  He and Deputy Samuelson were an incredible team. Their bond was inseparable, and together they made La Porte County a safer place to live and visit.”

Bosco will spend his retirement with the Samuelson family.