Related Articles
Handler – Officer Carla Schaffer
Handler mourns loss of police dog
On Wednesday, Clyde police Officer Carla Schaffer, the department’s K-9 handler, informed the community about the loss of her retired police dog, Lasso. “It is with the deepest sadness that I inform you of the passing of my partner and best friend, K-9 Lasso,” Schaffer said. “He lived a spoiled and pampered life with his family until his passing. My heart is broken. “After becoming a police dog in 2014 initially with Bellevue police, two years later, Lasso got partnered with Schaffer. Schaffer bragged about Lasso, who retired in February 2022, highlighting how he “has taken numerous guns and countless amounts of drugs off our streets, including a cash seizure of $27,000 and 68 grams of methamphetamine. “Among some career highlights:
• In 2018, Lasso earned a gold medal in an area search competition at the Ohio Police & Fire Games.
• In 2019, Lasso returned and earned two silver medals: one in area search and another in building search.
A memorial service for Lasso is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home in Clyde. “Please join us as we remember his service to this community,” Schaffer said. Schaffer then wrote an open letter about Lasso for the community to better understand him: The meanest thing God has ever done was let dogs grow old, so fast. My heart is broken. I remember the day I got you. Uncle Bob (McDowell) got you out of the trailer and told me you were all mine. We looked at each other like two excited young pups. You immediately pulled me to wherever you wanted to go, and I said, “This is going to be a hell of a ride,” and boy was it.I can’t thank you enough for saving me countless amounts of times. Even with just your bark alone, you made criminals think twice. Many people doubted you, and I loved every second watching you prove them wrong. You made me the proudest handler.
Thank you for always getting me back home to my family. I owe you a debt that can never be repaid. You were with me during the lowest times of my life and were always there to catch my tears with your fur. Thank you for all the amazing memories. I know Uncle Bob is going to be excited to see you. Say hi to him for me and please play with all your friends nicely. I love you so much Bubba, and I will see you at the bridge. Love,Your leash holder, mom.
