Last Ride for Police Dog Before Being Put Down

NBC Connecticut ^

[matt04]

Police officers consider K-9 partners members of the force.

So it was with great sadness that the West Hartford Police Department learned one of its own, Kora, a police dog, was being put down Monday. The 11-year-old was retired over the summer, after serving in the Department since 2003 with her handler, Officer Eric Rocheleau, according to Lt. David Dubiel.

Kora had developed cancerous tumors common with old age, and had to be euthanized Monday, Dubiel said. But Kora got one last chance at being a police dog.

Rocheleau took Kora to the vet Monday, and after some tests, was told the best thing for the dog was to put her down. Before that happened, the officers at the West Hartford Police Department agreed to take Kora for a final ride in a police cruiser.

"I was met at the vet with my old cruiser, and we were able to give Kora one last ride in her old car," Rocheleau told the Hartford Courant. "Both K-9 handlers, the K-9 unit supervisor, the sergeant on duty and animal control were there to give me support."

Kora also spent one last day at the police department, to give all of the officers a chance to say goodbye.

In her 9 years of service, Kora was responsible for uncovering 205 pounds of marijuana, 458 bags of heroin, 41 grams of cocaine, and 117 arrests. Rocheleau and Kora received a statewide award for their service in 2005.

[altura]

Me, too. Good dog.

[A'elian' nation]

Your Bowser is the spittin image of my Bonkers.

It’s even more special when a dog adopts you. When we moved in a new neighborhood, everybody knew him but nobody owned him. He went from house to house for scraps, but he stayed with me.

I could never tie up that free spirit of his. Had to get him from the pound a dozen times. He was always waiting for me to come home for our beach run. He wouldn’t get near the water, but would watch me every minute as I swam along the beach on Hawaii’s North Shore. Always wondered what he’d do if I was drowning.

Cried all night when I had to put him down ( cancer ) and bury him on his home turf - the beach - where he roamed until he decided I was good enough for him.

Never had a higher honor. Miss you buddy.

[expat1000]

Is 11 “old” for an Alsatian? One my Shih Tzus was almost 20 when I had to put her down last year.

[Viking2002]

Praying hard. And spare no expense. My sister's 13 year old Sheltie was diagnosed with cancer almost three years ago, and with a lot of effort, God's grace, and loving owners, she's holding up well, except for the arthritis in her left front paw. The cancer keeps trying to creep back, but it gets beaten back into remission every time.

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away, for his name is Obama."

[mojo114]

Thank you and I pray that will happen with our little girl.

[the OlLine Rebel]

GERMAN SHEPHERD PING LIST

This is a low-volume list………so don’t worry!

(Please Freep-mail me if you’d like to be on or off the list.)

[ottbmare]

I lost my darling, darling beagle girl in October. God, I cried. Didn't think I wanted to get another one for quite awhile.

But someone unexpectedly dumped another dog on me at Thanksgiving. She's a puppy, some extremely tiny mixed-breed thing, sleek and beautiful, only five pounds. She has me completely wrapped around her little toe. Poor loving little thing was emaciated and abused, so I've spent the past month feeding her and reassuring her. How anyone could abuse a puppy that size--or any size--is inconceivable. I want to find them and abuse them.

[chrisinoc]

It does hurt a lot. I had to put down four German Shepherds in the past three years and none of them overlapped each other. Three had previous health issues, the fourth was totally unexpected. I was at least able to do a final walk before the fourth was put to sleep.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Yes, it is. 12 is about the max. Some of course manage a bit longer. My opinion is if you’re past 10, you’re living on borrowed time.

My beloved previous GS fell apart suddenly at 11 and had to be put down. My sister’s GS also died either 11 or 12 (we babysat him his last week when they went away, with my young GS in residence too).

[OldGoatCPO]

You have my prayers a year and ahalf ago we lost a mix breed we had for 16 years to cancer. The vet said very traumatic I should go in the waiting room. I left the room, turned around and went back in, I held her head in my hands looked in her face and talked to her until she passed. I did not want her to be alone. They are like our children because they give love and affection so unconditional. I pray yours is one of those wonderful success stories and your puppy is with you for many more yeas.

[Gator113]

RIP Kora.

Those guys must be very sad.

[peggybac]

I want YOUR dog!!

[American Constitutionalist]

" Dogs are special. Always ready to greet me with a wagging tail even if I was just down at the post office. "

Ready to even greet you with a wagging tail even if you just go out the door to check the mail..

[American Constitutionalist]

German Sheppards are amazing dogs.

My mom's dog watched my brother put the Christmas declarations on the tree , he is even there watching us work on the car as if he is the supervisor and I would not be surprised if he picked up a tool and handed it to us.

[expat1000]

Thanks for the reply.

I was told once that smaller dogs generally have a longer life span than larger breeds, although even my vet had never seen a 19 year old Shih Tzu, but never went into the details.

10 years is not long...

[matthew fuller]

Thanks for that, it’s on it’s way to my dog-loving friends.

[dragnet2]

German Sheppards are amazing dogs.

I like all dogs, but....

German Shepherds rate #1 in my life.

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

I’ve often wondered if part of God’s plan is for us to be reunited with our critters we’ve loved and cared for. Some say no, some say yes. I sure hope so!

[fortheDeclaration]

I have had to put down a few dogs and I think of them often, it is always difficult.

[DTogo]

mark twain never had a pit bull

Thanks for cheering up an otherwise sad thread! ;^)