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Died – 4/1/21
Handler – Trooper Sean Laljie
State troopers, medical staff pay tribute to late K9 officer
A veteran Florida Highway Patrol K9 was honored Friday afternoon, a day after he was euthanized after a long battle with cancer. “K9 Bady was a great dog,” said FHP Sgt. Tony Kingery. “He was a very good, loyal dog.” Staff at Gardens Animal Hospital in Palm Beach Gardens lined the path as Bady was taken from the clinic, his body draped with an American flag. Three troopers helped carry Bady to a waiting van. “He was an incredible dog,” said Brooke Benjamin, office manager at Gardens Animal Hospital. “If you had ever met him, you would love him.” Gently, the troopers placed Bady into the van and then stepped back to give Bady’s handler, Trooper Sean Laljie, a few moments to say goodbye. “He was always there for Sean, even towards the end,” Kingery said. “He just wanted to please his handler and do as much as he could for the community.” Bady served that community for seven years. According to FHP, Bady’s work resulted in nearly 100 arrests and the seizure of more than $700,000 in assets. Bady retired in 2019, and Laljie adopted him. The two were no longer partners, but they were still best friends. “Being together, living together, working together, always being around each other, you do just get that bond that’s almost unbreakable,” Kingery said. Bady’s health began to decline in September when he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought off the disease, even being declared cancer-free at one point before it returned. Recently, he struggled to walk. On Thursday, more than a hundred people were on hand as Laljie walked Bady into the hospital. As they neared the door, Bady could go no further. Laljie picked him up and carried him the rest of the way, past every staff member at the hospital, many with tears in their eyes. Doctors examined Bady one final time before deciding there was nothing more they could do. “His family made the incredibly tough decision that it was time for him to cross the rainbow bridge,” Benjamin said. Friday, a procession of state troopers and Palm Beach Gardens police officers escorted Bady from the hospital. It was one more tribute to the K9 that Laljie called the best partner he’s ever had. “We all love our pets. Our pets are our babies,” Benjamin said. “But there’s something so different and special about K9 officers and their handlers. It’s the most touching bond you’ve ever seen.”Bady was 10 years old.
