Ludlow mourns loss of police dog - Cito,AGE 6, put to sleep on Wednesday
The town of Ludlow is mourning the loss of the police department's beloved canine. The dog, Cito, was put down on Wednesday morning at the age of 6. He was suffering from terminal cancer. Ludlow Police Chief James McGowan told 22News it was a very sad day for the police department and the community - it was like losing a member of the family. The chief said Cito helped locate missing persons in several surrounding communities. More about Officer Whitney:

In Loving Memory of
K9 CONAN
October 29, 2008

Handler: Sgt. Frank Kiefer 
Johnstown Police Department
401 Washington St
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 533-2074
 
Longtime city police K-9 dies
Johnstown police are mourning the passing of Conan the K-9, who died just short of retiring in January. “It’s sad, like losing one of your better partners you ever had,” said his handler, 20-year veteran Sgt. Frank Kiefer, who also is retiring in January. “He’s the second man in the car.” They had worked and lived together since 2000. Conan – who died of natural causes Wednesday at age 11 – was remembered for his heroism. “It’s a big loss to us,” Officer Erin Kabler said.  “The dog personally saved my life,” Kabler recalled. “We were in a physical battle with a violent and drug-crazed individual who had assaulted multiple officers.” City officers were assisting Stonycreek Township officers at the time. “We could not get control of the guy. The suspect was beating on the dog at the time and Conan was able to subdue the subject,” Kabler said. Kiefer said he and Conan often were the first ones sent into a dangerous situation. Conan once corralled a drug suspect hiding in a storm pipe near the turnpike in Somerset. Most apprehensions are termed “nonbite arrests.”  K-9 Officer Mike Kanuch said a replacement – Cooper – should be ready to hit the street within weeks.  Johnstown has a six-dog force.  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

American Canyon K-9 unit policeman's best friend - Officers retire one dog, welcome another to the force
Officer Jeff Matlock of the American Canyon Police Department poses with his K-9 partner Cvoki, a German shepherd who was retired in May.  For six and a half years, Cvoki faithfully served this city and the surrounding area, apprehending at least 13 suspects. "He did it all," Officer Tony Heuschel said. "You name it, he could do it." Cvoki, the department's K-9 unit since 2002, not only defended his handlers - biting seven of the 13 suspects he helped bring in - but he also sought and found narcotics. Throughout his career, Cvoki managed to sniff out 43 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of marijuana, three grams of heroin and two grams of cocaine, according to Heuschel.  "These statistics do not include how many car stops or contacts are changed just due to the presence of the K-9 ... on scene," said Officer Jeff Matlock in a prepared statement. Matlock was Cvoki's partner since 2005. Cvoki came to the force from the Czech Republic, and so answered to commands in Czech. Heuschel recalls an incident in which Cvoki's presence may have saved the suspect's life and the those of the responding officers. The suspect was armed with a knife and trying to commit suicide by cop, but the dog was able to control him until the officers subdued the suspect, Heuschel said.  "Cvoki was a valuable tool in law enforcement," he said. But as the dog aged, it became clear it was time for the 8-year-old German shepherd to retire from service this past May. Unfortunately, just weeks later, veterinarians diagnosed the dog with a neurological condition that left him staggering - literally. The condition was incurable and progressive, so the decision was made to euthanize the dog in July. Usually, there are four K-9 units at the Napa County Sheriff's Office, Heuschel said. American Canyon is a contract city, meaning all its officers are deputy sheriffs. One unit is stationed at American Canyon, two in Napa Valley and one at Lake Berryessa. After the summer loss of Cvoki, a new dog - Whiskey - began training. Whiskey is a 1-1 2 year old, 83-pound Belgian Malinois from a kennel in the Netherlands, said Officer Cullen Dodd, Whiskey's partner. Whiskey is Dodd's first K-9 partner, and the two were certified in July. Like Cvoki before him, Whiskey is trained in both handler protection and narcotic search, Dodd said. He also receives instructions in a foreign language - Dutch. Dodd trains Whiskey using a toy and praise reinforcement system rather than a food reinforcement system - when Whiskey attacks someone or is sniffing for drugs, he's associated both with receiving a toy. Whiskey is always looking up at Dodd for instruction, Heuschel said. Dodd said there are four drug odors that K-9s are trained to find - marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. It is a common misconception that the dog must be addicted to the drug before he can learn to find it, Dodd said.  Instead, a small amount of the substance is put into a sealed nylon pouch, which is used to play fetch. Thus, the dog associates the odor with a toy and does not ingest any of the substances, Dodd said. Perhaps the most difficult part of training is learning to trust the dog, Dodd said. "The dog knows what he's doing," Dodd said. "He doesn't have the ability to reason or decide not to do something ... or lie." Dodd had to learn how to read Whiskey and allow him to do his job, Dodd said. Whiskey rides around with Dodd in the back of his police car. If Whiskey is needed, Dodd can remotely open the back door and release him. When he's not working, Whiskey spends his time with Dodd at home, with the county paying for food and vet visits. "It's great. I love it," Dodd said.( incurable progressive neurological condition )  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 CEE JAY
Week of September 21, 2008

Handler: Lt. Brad Harbour 
Madison County Sheriff's Department 
2941 U.S. Highway 51
Canton, MS 39046
PH: 601-855-0728

County police dog's death mourned
For years, Brad Harbour and his partner visited every school in Madison County, delivering an anti-drug message to thousands and thousands of kids. To this day, it never fails, said Harbour, a lieutenant with the Madison County Sheriff's Office, that wherever he might be - a restaurant, a gas station or a store - a teenager or young adult will come up to him with the question: "Aren't you the man with Cee Jay?" "They don't remember my name, but they remember Cee Jay," he said.
That's a fitting tribute for Harbour who lost "my first and only" police dog last week at the age of 15-and-a-half. Cee Jay, half German Shepherd and half Belgian Malinois, was an officer with Madison County his entire life. "As far as we can tell, he was the youngest dog certified as a police K-9 dog," said Harbour, who trained him and had him certified at the age of 7 months. Every day that Harbour put on his uniform on, "he knew it was time to go to work." Cee Jay would go sit by the car, waiting for Harbour to go. "He loved working," Harbour said. CeeJay's job, like Harbour's for many years, was catching drug dealers who passed through Madison County on the interstate. Cee Jay was responsible for the largest marijuana bust - 500 pounds found in an 18-wheeler - ever made in Madison County. For several years, Cee Jay held the state record for the largest heroin bust, seven and a half pounds. That stop on the interstate led to the U.S. Customs following the chain of drugs to Chicago that eventually resulted in the arrest of the head of a Columbian drug cartel, Harbour said. "All that came out of this bust Cee Jay got," he said.
"Brad and Cee Jay have been a big asset to this department," Sheriff Toby Trowbridge said. "Even after they got off the interstate, they worked searches and helping in the schools." Police dogs that work narcotics obviously have a good sense of smell, but Harbour said CeeJay's was beyond good. One of CeeJay's more amazing finds, Harbour said, was a cache of cocaine, wrapped in duct tape, covered in plastic wrap and "at least one to two inches of Dijon mustard" slathered around it and then wrapped in more plastic, hidden in the door of a vehicle. To Cee Jay, finding drugs was just a big game. "Get your find" was the order given when it was time to check out a vehicle. He'd circle around, sniffing, and then start scratching when his nose detected some illegal substance. His reward was a tennis ball that he'd chew on in the back of the squad car as Harbour completed the bust. "We'd go through a tennis ball a week," Harbour said. Besides finding drugs, Cee Jay was also used in searches. "The best track he ever had, from the time I put the harness on him to his getting the guy, was 54 seconds," Harbour said. Then, Cee Jay was called in to find a Canton man who had assaulted his wife and then took off running. The dog got the scent and started running through the apartment complex toward the chest-high grass behind. Cee Jay leaped up to jump over the grass, and landed squarely on the back of the guy as he hid. All through the years, Cee Jay and Harbour were regular visitors to schools giving anti-drug talks. The dog, who scared criminals, loved kids. Children would pet him and crawl all over, and he loved it, Harbour said. "I'd tell students I had the coolest job a police officer can have. I get to play with a dog all day long," he said. Harbour retired Cee Jay about 18 months ago. The life of a police dog is a strenuous life, and Cee Jay was starting to feel his age as arthritis set in. "When I retired him, those first few months, he was beside himself because I was going to work without him," Harbour said. "But he had a good year and a half of being a dog. All his life after working hours, and into retirement, Cee Jay was the Harbour family pet.  At home, he was like any other dog, playing with the kids, now ages 16 and 13, and trying to sneak a taste of "people" food. One of his favorite things was to jump on the trampoline with the kids, Trish Harbour said. "He was a great dog." One of her favorite memories was the Thanksgiving Cee Jay sneaked a soup can out of the garbage to lick what was left. "I scolded him and put the can back in the trash. He took the can back out of the trash and hid with it. I spanked him with a wooden spoon. Then he took it a third time.  When I scolded him, he threw the can against the wall," Trish Harbour said. That was CeeJay's personality, Harbour said. "He had his own way of doing things. He was full of himself." Last weekend, Cee Jay was in pain and having trouble getting up so Harbour had him euthanized at the Animal Emergency Clinic in Jackson. Pets at Rest will cremate his body and present Harbour with the ashes in a memorial box.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Sayreville Detective Joseph Wolski and Cody visit Sayreville's Arleth Elementary School 
in February 2005 when the black Labrador was still working with the police.

Dog was officer's trusty companion for 13 years   -    Black lab was able to sniff out narcotics during searches 
For almost 13 years, Detective Joe Wolski had a four-legged partner on the police force. Cody, a black Labrador who could detect drugs, was that partner until the pooch retired in May 2007. He died this summer at the age of 14. Cody started at the Sayreville Police Department in December 1994. He and Wolski embarked on a training program in Union County that took 10 weeks. "We had a time when we needed a bomb dog," Wolski said. "The Union County Sheriff 's Department said that they could provide the dog and could provide the training. At the time, I was the only one who could [work with Cody]. So, I went through the training." 
The 10-week training program included teaching Cody to detect marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin and methamphetamines. Later on, Cody was taught to detect Ecstasy, when that drug became popular in the late 1990s. "His reward would be a rolled-up towel," Wolski said. "We'd line a towel with drugs and the scent of drugs would go on the towel." After this, the officers started hiding dry drugs, without the towel. Cody would find the drugs and anxiously await his reward of a rolled-up towel. When Cody would find the drugs, he would scratch at them. This was his way of indicating that he found narcotics.  "He thinks he's looking for a towel," Wolski said. "He wants to play — you have to find one that wants to play. This develops their drive." Wolski said that a good drug-detection dog is a playful one. Finding a dog that likes to tug on rolled-up towels is also important, he said. Some dogs like to play with tennis balls, but that would not help a drug-detection dog because it is easier to train them with towels. For Cody, life was all about having fun. "Hunting dogs want to hunt and narcotics dogs want to find drugs," Wolski said.  Cody and Wolski did about 30 or 40 jobs a year, adding up to hundreds over the course of their time together. Cody's first job was a notable one, working with police who were executing a search warrant at a house. "He had to search three different floors," Wolski said. "There were a lot of different drugs involved at the time. We only had a warrant for one person, but there were other people in the house, and he ended up finding marijuana, cocaine and heroin.  He hit 11 different places and every different place had narcotics. There was a pound of marijuana in the mattress." One memorable search came when the state police called the borough unit out to search a tractor-trailer. It was transporting a shipment of flowers from Colombia to Miami and then to New Jersey. Georgia state troopers had stopped the truck, and one of their dogs had smelled something. They then let the truck make its way to New Jersey, where police intercepted it.  Cody then made a hit on the rear of the tractor, the same exact spot that the dog in Georgia made a hit. Wolski did not know anything about this other dog's hit until afterward. "They never found anything, as far as I know," Wolski said. "There was fresh welding in the truck. You tend to believe your dog, but nothing really turned out after it." Cody would often do search warrants at residences, locker searches at high schools, and was even a Sayreville Willabee mascot and DARE mascot, advising students to avoid drugs and alcohol.  "We'd do demonstrations for DARE, for the prosecutor's office," Wolski said. In terms of search warrants, Cody was extremely helpful. "When a dog hits, you know an area to look," Wolski said. Last summer, it came time for Cody to retire after almost 13 years. "He was just too old," Wolski said. "It was difficult for him to get in and out of the car." Then, this summer, after having four seizures in a 24-hour span, Cody died.  "Word just got around [that he was sick] because people knew him," Wolski said. "A lot of people just knew the dog. He was around for 13 years." Throughout the years, Wolski became attached to Cody. "It would be weird if I didn't get attached to him," Wolski said. "It was weird if I didn't put him in the car in the morning." Wolski's favorite part was just having Cody in the car with him. "Just having the dog with you, riding around in the car," Wolski said. "Doing demonstrations and seeing the kids react to him. They loved the dog." Wolski has not received an answer yet as to whether another narcotics dog will be brought in to replace Cody, but he anticipates budget concerns may not allow for it.  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 CAIRO
July 15, 2008

Handler: Cpl. Dan Rabu
Northport Police Department 
3721 26th Ave.
Northport, AL 35473
 (205) 339-6600

Man, and officers& best friend Northport Police dog Cairos funeral befits his service
Northport police chief Robert Green speaks at the funeral of the Northport Police canine, Cairo, behind the Northport police department Monday August 4, 2008 in Northport. A sad ceremony Monday was tinged with laughter as members of the Northport Police Department said goodbye to Cairo, a former police dog who conducted more than 2,000 searches and found more than $2 million worth of drugs during his eight years on the force. The 15-year-old German shepherd died two weeks ago. Northport Police officers held a full police funeral service for him Monday morning. It overwhelming to me, said his handler, Cpl. Dan Rabu. Cairo had a reputation as a dog with a lot of talent, and a lot of personality. Former officer Chad Barnett spoke about one incident when officers were convinced that a package at UPS contained drugs. Other dogs had not picked up on the scent, so Rabu and Cairo were summoned to the office on Greensboro Avenue. He ripped it open, and we found 8 pounds of marijuana inside, Barnett said. It gave me a sense of pride to be associated with Cairo and with the Northport Police Department. Chief Robert Green said Cairo possessed the qualities of a model police officer, including dedication, intelligence and confidence. But he also had a mischievous side. Lt. Keith Carpenter remembers responding to a burglar alarm at Canant Veterinary Hospital one weekend. I saw a dog who looked a lot like Cairo staring back at me, trying to get out, he said. He managed to escape his kennel and make it through a few locked doors. Cairo was known to open Rabu refrigerator and help himself to leftovers. His favorite meal, though, was a Burger King Double Whopper and a 7UP which he got as a treat after working a search warrant or drug bust. Cairo was the first police dog used by Northport Police. He was more our family; said Capt. Ron Bolton, who once gave Cairo a four-pound box of dog treats for Christmas.  Rabu said he had a strong bond with Cairo. The dog preferred to stay inside because he liked to stick close to Rabu, his wife and children. Speakers at the funeral portrayed Cairo as a dog who could both assist in dangerous police work and be a docile visitor at an elementary school later that day. If we needed Cairo to be a Cujo, he could be a Cujo. If we needed a Lassie, he could be a Lassie. And if we needed a Benji, he could be a Benji, Chief Green said. Cairo was a real hero. He has left us, but he will never be forgotten. Cairos ashes will be buried and his burial site marked by a fenced tombstone behind the Northport Police Department. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

K-9 Officer Put To Sleep
One K-9 officer who served the city of Idaho Falls for three years was put to sleep Wednesday due to sudden terminal health reasons. Chuckie was a four and a half year old Belgian Malinois and was trained, handled and lived with Officer Pat McKenna. Chuckie was trained in explosives detection and in the apprehension of barricaded and fleeing suspects. Chuckie's animal doctor believes he was suffering from some form of cancer. He was cleared of service by an emergency dispatcher who announced that Chuckie was 10-42. That's police code for ending his tour of duty. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Both handlers found them deceased in their kennels three days apart from one to the other.  After necropsy it was determined that K-9 Cinco died from heat exhaustion and K-9 Sagus from intestinal blockage "bloat". 
Sgt.Tim Ball 
2 Sheriff Office K9S Die Within Three days
Sagas and Cinco had six combined years of service for department
The Columbia County Sheriffs Office had two of its K-9 unit dogs die in three days. K-9 Sagas was found dead Thursday morning in his kennel from bloat by handler Cpl. Keith Jackson. They had a scheduled K-9 demonstration and Jackson went out to get the dog and found him in his kennel,” Columbia County Sheriff Bill Gootee said. Columbia County Sheriffs Office dogs live in kennels built at the homes of their handlers. According to information from the Columbia County Sheriffs Office Web site, Sagas, a German shepherd, was purchased in 2003. The dog was trained and certified as an apprehension and narcotics dog. On Sunday, K-9 Cinco was found dead by his handler Cpl. Keith Jackson from heat exhaustion. Cinco, a Belgian Travern, was the officenewest dog in the K-9 unit. Cinco was purchased about a year ago and was trained and certified in apprehension and finding narcotics. The death of K-9 Cinco, when it was the only death, was a tragedy. It was treated as a crime scene,; Gootee said. All the dog food was packaged and sent to the University of Florida for analysis to determine whether there was anything in the dog food which may have caused the deaths. Before the death of Sagas and Cinco, the Columbia County Sheriffs Office had six canine units, and the dogs were used for apprehension and for finding narcotics and explosives. The death of the dogs has resulted in the sheriffs office implementing preventative measures to protect the remaining agency dogs. Gootee said the department has taken all the dogs to veterinarians, discontinued and switched brands of dog food and they are using bottled water for the dogs. I would just like for the people to understand and know we've lost two valuable members of our sheriffs office, Gootee said. This has been a very trying time for my officers with the loss of the dogs. We lost very valuable members of our agency, and they lost a partner. The dogs used for canine units are certified and trained in narcotics searches, search and rescue techniques and tracking. Each dog has a badge and is considered a law enforcement officer. It is hard to place a value on these canines because of their valuable use to the sheriff& office, Gootee said. ;Cpl. Jackson's dog recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drugs seizures and will be missed. Cinco just joined the department and was coming into his own, and they will definitely be missed.
UPDATE
 K-9 Perry has been assigned to Cpl. Keith Jackson and K-9 Zombie will be handled by Deputy Sheriff Matt Grinstead.        We have received the final tests results and it shows both dogs died from unrelated medical complications that are unrelated to anything in their environment, said Sheriff Bill Gootee. We believe these deaths are a horrible coincidence, but we know it was nothing criminal. Both of these handlers were heart-broken with the passing of their partners but its important for them, for the agency and for our community that we get new dogs as they are an important tool in our fight against crime, said Sheriff Gootee. Both Sagas and Cinco were dedicated and loyal partners and will be missed. Money seized through the Department of Justice - not tax dollars - was used to purchase the dogs from Police Service Dogs, Inc. for $13,500. These dogs are fully trained and will be ready to go to work once they bond with their handlers,” said Sheriff Gootee.We needed a quick turn around with the loss of two within a week and I believe these dogs will be an excellent addition to our agency. We will not be able to replace K-9 Sagas and K-9 Cinco but we have moved past their deaths, said Sheriff Bill Gootee. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 CUBBY
July 14, 2008
           ------------------
Handler: Capt. John Peine
Riverdale Police Department
Riverdale Municipal Building
91 Newark-Pompton Turnpike
Riverdale, NJ 07457
(973) 835-0034

K9 CUBBY - forever remembered
I had to put down my partner Cubby on Monday July 14, 2008. He had cancer.
A male Rottweiler, Cubby was born on May 5, 1999 in Wanaque, New Jersey. He weighed 135 pounds and is a certified Police Narcotics Dog. He and Lieutenant John Peine work for the Riverdale Police Department, Riverdale NJ. His father is K-9 Kody, Riverdale's first Police Dog. Cubby received his formal training at the Passaic County Police K-9 Academy under the direction of the Passaic County Sheriff's Department. His full name is Sir Kodiak Cub. Cubby to his friends and Police colleagues. He was named after his father Sir Kodiak Bear (Kody page 21 in 2003) and comes from a long line of police dogs. He was born May 4, 1999 and served on the Riverdale Police Department until the time of his death on July 14, 2008. Cubby graduated from the Passaic County Sheriffs Police K9 Academy in 2000 and served as a Narcotics Detection Dog. Cubby was such a gentlemen, he loved his job but especially loved kids. He was an outstanding asset with the DARE program because of his love for children. He lived with his handler Captain John Peine and Dawn Peine. He also had a step sister Montana who was picked up as a stray off the streets one night by Captain Peine. Cubby died of a fast onset of cancer. He was taken from us so suddenly his absence from our home and lives has left such and empty feeling. I still look at his bed at night to see if he is in it, I look for him in the yard with Montana, I pick up his bowl to feed him at night and I look for him at work. I truly hope that there is a Rainbow Bridge and when I cross it I will see his face again and be able to embrace him for eternity.  submitted by: Capt. John Peine

Berea Police dog dies
The Berea Police Department's K-9 unit, Ciro, had to be put to sleep Saturday, June 28 soon after being diagnosed with cancer. Just two weeks ago, the 5-year-old German shepherd had a fairly routine veterinary appointment for a cut on his lip. While there the vet noticed swollen lymph glands. Tests showed it was an aggressive form of cancer, lymphatic cancer. "There was nothing the vet could do," Police Chief Mark Schultz said.  Ciro's health deteriorated rapidly. Patrolman Tim Milter was Ciro's handler, and the two were practically inseparable. He was going to make the decision Monday to put the dog down but Ciro's condition worsened Saturday. "They are there with you all the time. It's just like a family member. It's almost like losing one of my kids," Milter said. "It's been tough on the family." Ciro was Berea's third canine unit since 1989. He was trained in criminal apprehension, searching, tracking and drug detection. Milter also handled the previous K-9 unit, Ben.   The first dog was Max. Schultz said most K-9 dogs work between seven and 10 years after which they become pets. Milter has already been approached by businesses wanting to donate for a replacement K-9. He has been granted permission to proceed with fundraising. The cost of another dog with training is about $8,000. Milter is expected to have another K-9 partner in a couple of months. He thanked the doctors at Big Creek Animal Hospital where Ciro was treated. "They were very, very helpful," Milter said. The police department will not be doing anything special, as far as a funeral. "Just have people remember him how he was," Milter said. Any businesses wishing to donate, can contact Milter at the police station at (440) 826-5871.  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE
From Berea, Ohio:  K-9 officer Ciro was put to sleep Saturday, two weeks after receiving a devastating diagnosis of cancer.  He was just five years old.  Swollen lymph nodes were found during a routine vet visit, and tests revealed a very aggressive form of lymphatic cancer.  As the parent of a fox hound who died this way, I can tell you it is quick, painful, and extremely hard to watch.  In Cero's case, Patrolman Tim Milter was the one forced to watch while his dogs condition rapidly worsened.  Milter said, They are there with you all the time. Its just like a family member. Its almost like losing one of my kids.  Its been tough on the family. The Berea PD has had three canine officers since 1989.  Ciro follows in the proud tradition of his predecessors Max and Ben.  The typical police K-9 serves about 7 - 10 years, then retires as a pet.  The total cost of purchasing and training a K-9 often tops $8,000.  Ciro was trained in criminal apprehension, searching, tracking and drug detection.  Donations are being accepted and can be arranged by calling Patrolman Milter at the police station at (440) 826-5871. Until next time, Good day, and good dog!

Edmond officer, dog enjoyed bond of life on the job
Cindy and her longtime partner, Edmond police officer Kris Fite. Cindy was 14 when she died.
Cindy went to school a lot during her more than 10 years on the job. She was always a big hit with the students. Cindy, a 14-year-old Labrador retriever, was an Edmond Police Department drug dog. She retired in January and died June 18 from age-related health complications. The dog was purchased by Edmond Public Schools in 1996. Her first assignment was to look for drugs at the middle and high schools.  "I enjoyed the time we had together, said Edmond police officer Kris Fite, Cindy's longtime handler. "It was a blessing. Fite and Cindy lived together both on and off the job. When she retired, Fite said Cindy continued to live with him. "There was a strong bond between me and the dog, Fite said. Cindy was known by lots of people in the community.  In addition to visiting students for more than 10 years, she was known for canine demonstrations for both the young and old when she wasn't on patrol with Fite Cindy's biggest find was 111 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in 2006. Fite has a new dog on patrol with him these days, a German shepherd named Hayden one of four dogs at the Edmond Police Department. Hayden does more than look for drugs. Hayden can also track people, search buildings and look for guns and human scents. Still, Fite maintains fond memories of Cindy. "Cindy had a long career, Fite said. "I hope my new dog has as long a career.    submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Department mourns the loss of K9 'Charger'
Charger, a Fairfax County Police Bloodhound, passed away on June 13 from cancer. He was on his final walk through the woods near his home with his faithful handler by his side. Charger was born on February 23, 2002 in Pont Rouge, Quebec, Canada. He came to Fairfax County in May of that same year and started his training a month later. Chargers new police family was primarily responsible for his initial training. The Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Department and Maryland State Police K9 units, with assistance from The Law Enforcement Bloodhound Association provided additional training, which lasted for almost a year. Chargers main responsibility was to find people; those who were lost and those who had committed crimes.  Charger and his human partner, Lieutenant Pat Ronan, responded to hundreds of calls for service. One of the most memorable tracks was of a suspected rapist. Charger led LT. Ronan and patrol officers to an apartment where the suspect was located and eventually arrested.  Chargers favorite toy was a little red ball; shake the ball and a light would glow inside. He loved to chase the little red ball that glowed. His favorite treats were Alpo dog treats; his reward for a job well done. For all of the great things he did, he was still a dog and chewed everything in sight. Somehow, that was ok with Lt. Ronan. Charger was a very special friend, companion and dedicated police K9, he will be missed. submitted by Jim Corina, Dir. CPWDA

Police dog Cane, hailed as a hero after he was stabbed pursuing a fleeing burglar, 
died yesterday, just months into his early retirement.
Cane recovered well after receiving emergency surgery, but was granted an early retirement. Police dog Cane, seen here with Constable Jason Owen, has died. Cane, hailed as a hero after he was stabbed pursuing a fleeing burglar, died just months into his early retirement. Retired police dog Cane - the victim of a savage knife attack last year - has died, his owner and handler said today. Cane was hailed as a hero after being seriously injured while tracking and apprehending a burglary suspect in the Bay of Plenty last July. The German shepherd tracked the teenager for 5 km through bush near Murupara and continued to hold onto him after being stabbed in the 
head, neck and shoulder. Cane recovered from the attack, but was discharged from the force to enjoy early retirement as a result of his injuries. He had served for six years. One of the top police dogs in the country, Cane and Mr. Owen took top honours in the 2005 national police dog championships His owner, Sergeant Jason Owen said Cane, aged eight-and-a-half, was quite unwell on waking  yesterday morning and died before he could get him to a vet. "He was my best mate and will be sorely missed," Sgt. Owen said. Sgt. Owen and K9 Cane were a champion team, winning the National Police Dog Championships in 2005. At the time of the stabbing, Sgt. Owen had begun training a replacement puppy. He has transferred to the NZ Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham, Wellington, as an instructor. more.... prior to the loss of K9 Cane......
Get well cards flood in for stabbed dog
Stabbed police dog Cane was named after the Hurricanes, and is now enjoying a whirlwind of get-well cards - some from female admirers.  The seven-year-old German shepherd has made a near full recovery from four deep stab wounds to his head and neck region, suffered while trying to disarm a youth near Murupara last week.  The dog had received hundreds of cards and gifts from throughout New Zealand, including blankets, dog treat Smackos, soft toys, and even get-well cards from female German shepherds, his handler Constable Jason Owen said.  One stab wound was one centimeter from Cane's spine and another cut the neck area near the right ear.  Mr. Owen said Cane would now be retired from active police service and live out the rest of his life lying beside the fire.  A replacement dog was being trained to start police work before Christmas.  Mr. Owen said Cane was treated like one of the family, "He's my kid."  The attack in dense bush and scrub after the pair tracked two youths eight kilometers had been emotional for him and Rotorua police staff. Mr. Owen said he heard Cane "yelp" and knew he had been attacked. "He was still able to walk but was losing a lot of blood  from the shoulder."  Mr. Owen praised Rotorua's Central City veterinarian Ian McKenzie for saving the dog's life and said Cane's upbringing had been somewhat different to that of many police dogs. The dog was named after the Wellington Hurricanes Super 14 rugby team.  (note Wellington on map) He had previously been owned by a Canadian family living in Tauranga and had been a "shocking cat chaser". As a result, he had been given to police by the family to curb his ways. He was back to chasing cats through ponga fences at his home over the weekend. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Cletus and I became partners in January, 2003 when he arrived here from the Czech Republic. We immediately started in the Patrol Dog Class at the Toms River Police Department.  He was a very difficult dog to train due to his dominant and independent personality.  As I look back now, this helped us forge a very strong bond.  We then completed a Narcotic Dog Class also at the Toms River Police Department. In the five years Cletus served with the Toms River Police Department. He had several hundred deployments in the areas of tracking, building searches, area searches, article searches, criminal apprehensions and narcotics in Toms River, as well as, in neighboring towns. During these deployments, he was responsible for locating several suspects in crimes and many narcotic finds. Most importantly, Cletus had many deployments in providing officer safety during fights and other disturbances.      K-9 Cletus passed early in the morning on January 17, 2008.  I was awoken at about 3 am by a noise and found him in a seizure.  I rushed him to a 24 hour Vet and an x-ray showed a mass (believed to be cancer) on his spleen.  Cletus never came out of the seizure and it was decided to let him go since it was likely the cancer had spread to the brain or nervous system. Cletus never showed any signs of illness prior to that morning.  In fact, the day prior, we had a full day training session, during which, he excelled. The department was extremely kind to my family and me.  The show of support from my fellow officers was extraordinary.  I am currently training a new partner named Blitz - he has some big shoes to fill. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness at this tough time.  If you need any other information, please feel free to contact me.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA 

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department K9 Dies From Illness
A three-year veteran of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, Case was a trusted K-9 partner who did his job well. At about noon Tuesday, the six-year old Belgian Malinois, lost his battle with cancer and was euthanized. "Case's service to the people of Lauderdale County and the sheriff's department was exemplary," said LCSD Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun, Tuesday afternoon. "We are all saddened that he is gone." None more so than LCSD Dep. Sgt. Ruston Russell who was Case's handler. "It's almost like losing a child," said Russell late Tuesday afternoon, still obviously upset over the loss. "He was a huge part of my family. This was really sudden and has hit us hard." Russell said Case began showing signs of being ill about two weeks ago. Trips to the veterinarian were met with more questions as to what was causing Case's illness. Referred to Mississippi State University in Starkville and their veterinary department, Russell said Case's condition was still a mystery. "We did exploratory surgery Tuesday and found cancer in a very advanced stage," Russell said. "That is when it was decided to put him to sleep." Handlers and their K-9 partners create strong bonds that carry them through the difficult and dangerous work they are asked to do.
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For six weeks police, military and security dogs train with their human handlers before they even begin their daily duties. As Russell said, the dog and the handler learn to trust one another. It gets to the point one knows what the other is thinking. Police dogs live with their handlers and become very close to the officer's families. "K-9 partners aren't like human partners at all," said Russell. "Case would do anything I ask of him without hesitation. He'd die for me. No questions asked. He was loyal, obedient and the very best partner I could've asked for." In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as in the US, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for personal protection, detection, police work, search and rescue. The United States Secret Service exclusively uses the breed. Calhoun guessed approximately $20,000 had been spent for Case in regards to his purchase, training and constant care. As of Tuesday afternoon Russell couldn't contemplate having another K-9 partner but after thinking about it for a moment, he decided that yes he would like another. "I know there won't be another Case," he said. "I enjoyed every minute with him but I love being a handler. It takes a special breed of officer who wants to do this."  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA  - photos sent by Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department
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Memorial service held for K-9 officer
The law enforcement radio held by Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie crackled as he stood on the north steps of the Lauderdale County Courthouse. The voice of a Central Dispatch dispatcher followed saying, "K-9 Deputy Case is 10-7 for the remainder....." Case, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, died Tuesday of cancer. His handler, LCSD Dep. Sgt. Rustin Russell and his family, were joined by more than a dozen law enforcement K-9 officers from departments as far away as Jones County. That traditional law enforcement radio call was the final farewell to a three year veteran and a trusted officer of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department. "Case would've liked this," said Russell. "I'm appreciative to everyone who came today." Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who utilize specially trained dogs know all too well how strong the bond is between the canine and its handler. Meridian Police Department Officer and K-9 handler David Rosenbaum spoke during the service. "These dogs make you realize just what real loyalty really is," he said. "Only a handler can understand that." Case began showing signs of being sick two weeks ago. Despite numerous trips to a local veterinarian and a special consultation to the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, no answers could be found. It wasn't until exploratory surgery was conducted Tuesday that Case was found to be suffering from cancer in its advanced stage. The decision was made then to euthanized Case. Case was put to rest at the Russell family home.  submitted by Jim Cortina

Martin sheriff's deputy mourns death of respected K-9 partner
Sometimes man's best friend is more than a friend. "I saved his life. He saved my life," Martin County sheriff's deputy Eric Schaubel said of his K-9 partner, Canto. "I had my son and I had Canto. He was on the same line as my kids." Canto died Feb. 9 after inoperable cancer left him unable to walk or eat. He was 11 and had partnered with Schaubel since the German shepherd was 11 months old. Canto dropped 28 pounds in two weeks and couldn't do what he loved - riding in the patrol car with Schaubel and catching bad guys.  "It was breaking my heart," Schaubel said. "He looked at me with those big brown eyes." Schaubel and others in the department's K-9 unit were with Canto when he was euthanized at a local veterinarian's office. A memorial service will be held, but plans have not been made. Sheriff Robert Crowder, who is a well-known dog lover, said cancer has claimed several of the department's police dogs, as well as his own pets over the years, in spite of top-notch food and veterinary care. "I wish a handle could be gotten on this problem," he said. Canto was probably best known outside law enforcement circles for a 2001 manhunt in which he tracked a shoplifting suspect into a swamp and was sliced on the muzzle with a box cutter as he chomped down on the suspect's arm. The suspect tried to drown Canto, but the dog held on until Schaubel could arrest the man, who then faced an additional charge of aggravated battery on a police dog. But within law enforcement circles, Canto was know as an exceptionally smart dog who could anticipate Schaubel's moves and seemed to understand everything. "He could understand 20 hand signals and 30 voice commands," Schaubel said. "I could say left or right and he would do it. He was an exceptional dog." He had a gentle side too, in spite of more than 50 captures that involved bites. Schaubel recalled a day when Canto stayed home with the kids. When Schaubel returned, he found his big bad police dog sitting at tea with his daughter, wearing a hat and sporting polish on his black toenails. While Schaubel and the sheriff's office mourn Canto, they are also trying to figure out how to replace him in a very tight budget year. It costs about $13,500 to purchase and train a police dog. Crowder said. "We'll be looking for some way to scrape together the money," he said.
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STUART - Sometimes man's best friend is more than a friend. "I saved his life. He saved my life," Martin County sheriff's deputy Eric Schaubel said of his K-9 partner, Canto. "I had my son and I had Canto. He was on the same line as my kids."  Canto died Feb. 9 after inoperable cancer left him unable to walk or eat. He was 11 and had partnered with Schaubel since the German shepherd was 11 months old. Canto dropped 28 pounds in two weeks and couldn't do what he loved - riding in the patrol car with Schaubel and catching bad guys. "It was breaking my heart," Schaubel said. "He looked at me with those big brown eyes."  Schaubel and others in the department's K-9 unit were with Canto when he was euthanized at a local veterinarian's office. A memorial service will be held, but plans have not been made. Sheriff Robert Crowder, who is a well-known dog lover, said cancer has claimed several of the department's police dogs, as well as his own pets over the years, in spite of top-notch food and veterinary care. "I wish a handle could be gotten on this problem," he said. Canto was probably best known outside law enforcement circles for a 2001 manhunt in which he tracked a shoplifting suspect into a swamp and was sliced on the muzzle with a box cutter as he chomped down on the suspect's arm.  The suspect tried to drown Canto, but the dog held on until Schaubel could arrest the man, who then faced an additional charge of aggravated battery on a police dog. But within law enforcement circles, Canto was know as an exceptionally smart dog who could anticipate Schaubel's moves and seemed to understand everything. "He could understand 20 hand signals and 30 voice commands," Schaubel said. "I could say left or right and he would do it. He was an exceptional dog." He had a gentle side too, in spite of more than 50 captures that involved bites. Schaubel recalled a day when Canto stayed home with the kids. When Schaubel returned, he found his big bad police dog sitting at tea with his daughter, wearing a hat and sporting polish on his black toenails. While Schaubel and the sheriff's office mourn Canto, they are also trying to figure out how to replace him in a very tight budget year. It costs about $13,500 to purchase and train a police dog. Crowder said. "We'll be looking for some way to scrape together the money," he said.   submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Cancer claims veteran K-9 cop 
Law enforcement officers plan to hold a funeral service for Cheiko, a Skiatook Police Department K-9 officer who died last week of cancer.  The Skiatook police K-9 officer also could track it and bite it, if need be. Officer Shane Thompson remembers a domestic call less than a year ago when the German shepherd pursued a man for a mile and a half through a rain-soaked cattle ranch. "We were up to our calves in mud, running through this stuff," Thompson said. "He stuck with it the whole time." A Police Department veteran since 2000, Cheiko died Friday, less than a day after helping authorities make a marijuana arrest.  "You get real close to them," said Thompson, Cheiko's handler since November 2006. "They are more than just a dog, more than just a tool you use. They are with you day in and day out. "They are with you at every fight, every time you're tracking someone down. When that happens, you know that he's going to be there for you to fight." As it turned out, Cheiko (pronounced CHEEK-o) endured a lengthy fight of his own. Noticing that the dog was sluggish and didn't eat Thursday night, Thompson took Cheiko the next morning to a veterinarian. Exploratory surgery revealed advanced cancer. "He'd had it maybe 30 to 60 days at the rate it had spread," Thompson said. "But they don't show pain until it's all too late." Cheiko is being cremated, and officials plan to hold a public service for him, Thompson said. Randy Sien, who owns the Sien-Shelton Funeral Home in Skiatook, is helping with the arrangements, including the printing of programs for the service. "The dog is just like one of them," Sien said of the police officers. "He's been with them eight years." Born in the Czech Republic and imported from the Netherlands, Cheiko was trained at Canine Unlimited Inc. in Tulsa. Thompson said Skiatook bought him for about $10,000. Besides drug detection, Cheiko performed demonstrations, tracking, and article and building searches. During his law enforcement tenure, the dog had three handlers and assisted a number of agencies, including the Tulsa and Osage county sheriffs' offices and the Sperry, Collinsville and Owasso police departments. In his 15 months working with Thompson, Cheiko helped recover at least 3 pounds of marijuana and a pound of methamphetamine, hauls that typically are measured in grams. More importantly, Cheiko was a friend of Thompson's family, including his 7-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter. "Any kid could come up to him and hug on him and pet him when we were doing demos, and he was great," Thompson said. "My kids loved him. But when it was time to handle business, he was all business." 
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Cheiko served the Town of Skiatook and it's citizens for eight years not just as a K-9 but as and officer of the Skiatook Police Department. He is credited with numerous narcotics finds and helping reduce the Crime in and around Skiatook. He has tracked down many fugitives and helped to locate vital evidence for many cases. In 2000 Cheiko was partnered with Officer Aaron Latham as the first K-9 for the Skiatook Police department. They went through training with each other and then hit the streets to protect the Town of Skiatook. In May 2002 Cheiko was partnered with Officer Steve Haley were they worked together until November of 2006. Cheiko was partnered with his final Officer Shane Thompson. Cheiko was able to seize thousands of dollars in drug money, as well as helping to locate the missing. Cheiko was used in the Skiatook Public Schools to help keep drugs out of our school system and away from our children. Cheiko was used by surrounding communities to help fight crime as well. Cheiko was often used by the Osage County Sheriff's Office, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, Sperry Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, and the Owasso Police Department as well as other departments.  Cheiko loved to go to work each day and was always willing to work, including his final work were he recovered marijuana and paraphernalia from a vehicle a day before her succumb to cancer. He was best known and loved by his handlers and the officers and community he served, for his good nature and his ability to be interact with the public and children.  He had the amazing ability to be social with people and yet when the time came to apprehend a suspect, he could take care of the business at hand and once his work was completed he was able to return to a friendly dog again. He was always eager to meet people and to show off his abilities. He was known to be a benchmark and a role model for other K-9's.  Cheiko was born September 17, 1999 and was imported from the Netherlands to Canine Unlimited of Tulsa, Oklahoma for training. During his time at Canine Unlimited he learned all aspects of being a police K-9 and perfected his skills in tracking, Narcotics detection, building searches and article searches and that would be used countless times on the streets to find narcotics an help locate lost children and help secure the Town of Skiatook. 
SKIATOOK POLICE K-9 FUND
A funds had been established at The American Bank in Skatook for those that wish to support the local police department in getting a new K-9 dog. Fund may be sent to American Bank, P.O. Box 1060, Skiatook, OK 74070. Donations should be include Skiatook Police K-9 Replacement Fund. For more information call officer Shane Thompson at 396-2424 or Randy Sien at 396-9500. For more information, call Officer Shane Thompson at 396-2424 or Randy Sien of the Sien-Shelton Funeral Home at 396-9500. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA