K9 Laika – California Highway Patrol

Died – 5/12/20

We are saddened to report the passing of CHP K9 Laika. Laika was surrounded by her family when she passed away from cancer on May 12, 2020. Laika had an amazing career before her retirement in April 2018. Laika graduated the California Highway Patrol on September 8, 2011. During her career, Laika located more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine, $3 million in drug money, 961 pounds of marijuana, 225 pounds of cocaine, and 23 pounds of heroin. In retirement, when she wasn’t teaching K9 Beny everything she learned, Laika spent her time lounging around the pool eating popsicles and looking for table scraps. Laika will always have a special place in everyone’s heart at the CHP Merced Area and she will be truly missed.

Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.