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Died 8/4/19
Handler – Deputy Quinton Giallorenzo
Sheriff’s K-9 Unit dog Jax dies of epileptic seizures
A Riverside County sheriff’s police dog with six years of service died suddenly after experiencing epileptic seizures, officials said Wednesday. The dog, named Jax, was taken to California Veterinarian Specialists in Murrieta for cluster seizures on Sunday and despite efforts of veterinary staff, died later that night, sheriff’s spokeswoman Robyn Flores said in a news release. Jax was trained to search out contraband, including narcotics, cellphones and alcohol, at the sheriff’s jail facilities, according to Flores. He was set to retire in September on his eighth birthday, she said.”Jax visited all five county correctional facilities on a weekly basis where he was beloved by staff members,” Flores said. “He had developed a reputation throughout the county for his knack at locating contraband within our facilities, but also as the `Handsomest Dog in the County.’ Inmates at our facilities knew when Jax arrived, and when his loud bellowing bark echoed. Jax enjoyed his work and it showed.” Flores thanked California Veterinary Specialists staff for “providing such a high caliber of care” in such dire circumstances and said the department’s thoughts and prayers go out to Jax’s handler, Deputy Quinton Giallorenzo, and his family. “It is easy to forget sometimes that the service dog and handler spend more time together than the handler’s family, and the bond they develop is unbreakable,” Flores said. Another sheriff’s dog, Windy, died of an ongoing illness July 25. “We are sure that K-9 Jax and K-9 Windy are spending some time together now that they are both without pain and free to roam where they please,” Flores said. “Goodbye Jax, we have the watch from here.”
