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Handler – Deputy Dale Thomas
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office and the community are mourning the loss of Michael Blue, a cherished K9 officer who passed away today after a battle with cancer. Deputy Dale Thomas and his wife Shelley O’Conner Thomas shared the heartbreaking news, describing Michael not just as a K9 partner but as an integral part of her life.“I’m really at a loss for words to post this but Michael Blue passed away today,” O’Conner Thomas stated, her voice laden with emotion. “He had cancer that we didn’t know about.”Michael Blue was more than just a pet or a working dog; he was a beloved figure in the schools where he served, known for his gentle nature and ability to bring joy and comfort to students. “Mike was far more than a pet to me. He was my son, my best friend, and my partner,” Thomas said. “When I was at home, he was with me; when I went to work, he was with me. We were inseparable.”Throughout his career, Michael Blue worked in multiple counties, starting in Pickaway County where he was known as the DARE dog. “He started his career in Pickaway County. The kids always loved to see Blue come into the building,” he reminisced. “Usually, he would get a hi or good morning Blue from everyone we passed, it was like I wasn’t even there.”His role extended beyond education into law enforcement, serving as an explosive detection K9 for the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. “Mike was an explosive detection K9, and man, was he good at it. It always amazed me to watch him work,” Thomas said with pride.Michael Blue’s life was not confined to duty; he also enjoyed adventures across the U.S., peeing on at least one tree in every state in the lower 48 during his travels with Thomas. “Mike was my copilot,” he added, sharing fond memories of their times together.Born in Germany and trained in Pennsylvania, Michael Blue and Thomas bonded deeply during their six-week training period. “I can honestly say Michael Blue never once let me down,” he reflected. “He was stubborn and bull-headed, but at his core, he just wanted to be with me.”The community has been invited to share their photos and memories of Michael Blue. “If you have any pictures of Michael Blue, please share,” Thomas requested, hoping to compile a tribute to her beloved K9.As the Ross County community grieves, the legacy of Michael Blue remains a testament to the profound bond between humans and their canine companions in service. “There will never be another Michael Blue, and I feel a big loss without him,” concluded Thomas.
