The expression “man’s best friend” doesn’t even begin to explain Art Merrigan’s relationship with his German shepherd, Osci.

Merrigan, a K-9 officer for the Bow Police Department, was recently named the department’s Officer of the Year for his dedication to the town. A member of the department since 2003, Merrigan was caught off guard when he was told he would be receiving the award.

“To be honest, I was taken completely by surprise. I work with a lot of good people and I don’t know why it was me that was chosen. Any of them do the same or more than I do,” said Merrigan. “Even now, it’s still kind of a surprise. I’m appreciative of it, but I don’t think my work stands out above and beyond. It is at least good to see that what we do is recognized.”

After working the K-9 unit in Pittsfield and Canterbury, Merrigan began working in Bow in fall 2003. Two years later, Bow Police Chief Jeff Jaran applied for and was given grant money to add a dog to the force.

Merrigan attended four weeks of intensive training in Pennsylvania, where he got Osci. During the four-week period, Merrigan spent about 250 hours learning different techniques for working with a canine.

Since then, he and Osci have formed a bond unlike most pet owners.

“Working with a dog is something I love to do. It encompasses an entire day, not just when we work,” he said. “The dog lives with me and we run and exercise together. Then he comes to work with me and we train together. It’s almost difficult to describe to people. To me he’s a normal extension of my work day.”

In the years since Osci joined the Bow Police Department, he has already paid dividends. Part of the agreement with having a K-9 unit is being able to provide mutual aid to surrounding towns.

Shortly after Osci arrived, two female patients escaped from the State Hospital in Concord. Merrigan and Osci were called on to help find them, and the pair located the two patients off Route 3A.

“That was the first time we’d applied something in a live situation. Training is training when you’re working with dogs, but until you apply to a situation where you have no control, it’s 100 percent trust,” said Merrigan. “That’s what develops the deep bond. It makes each time that much easier to deal with after you apply in a live situation.”

It isn’t only in emergency situations that Merrigan and Osci are called upon, as another important aspect of the job is getting out and meeting younger members of the community.

“I try to interact with the kids because they’re very curious about the dog. What I want it to be is something positive for the department and town,” said Merrigan. “It’s something that maybe could attract kids to being more friendly with who the police are. We’re approachable, and they recognize the fact that the dog is friendly with them.”

Between caring for and working with Osci, Merrigan isn’t the only one who must accept how much time he spends with his four-legged friend.

“I spend more time with my dog than I do with my wife,” joked Merrigan. “And, fortunately, she’s OK with that.”