K9s are very important assets for the police. They are trained to develop a number of skills that help officers in their job, and can also help the general public in an emergency.
Police dogs can specialize in different things, such as tracking criminals and missing persons using their sense of smell, detecting illegal drugs, bombs, or explosives, chasing and holding suspects until their handlers arrive to take charge, or finding dead bodies.
And, while they are amazing at their job, they are also sweet and have strong bonds with their handlers and their families.
After all, K9s are just working dogs who may be brave and scary while on duty, but they are always dogs, man’s best friends.
K9 Tommy, who worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, was one of those amazing dogs. At only seven years old, he was already popular in the local community. People admired his skills and bravery.
He specialized in detecting drugs and human remains, which made him valuable to the local police department.
At the same time, he was loved by his handler Jeremy Berger and his family. He was just one of them.
Until he developed an aggressive type of cancer and his health quickly went downhill.
Sadly, Tommy’s illness developed quickly and it made him suffer, so the vets that treated him decided that the best solution would be for him to be euthanized so that he wouldn’t suffer anymore.
His family accepted because they couldn’t see him suffer and wanted to offer him a peaceful and stress-free exit from this life.
So, a couple of months ago, they arranged to take him to Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic in Findlay to have him euthanized.
But Tommy would not leave without being honored for his service. So, numerous K9s with their handlers gathered in order to salute him as he was walking to the clinic to be put to sleep.
Berger holding the leash, and with his family following them, the five of them walked to the clinic in silence. A few moments later, the brave German Shepherd was taken out, covered in an American flag.
The officers saluted him once more, while his family could hardly hold back their tears.
When the whole thing was over, Tommy’s end-of-watch call went over the radio. As the officer said, he was “a good boy, protecting [his] partner and the citizens of Ohio.”
He is now gone, but never forgotten, especially by his handler and his family.
At the end, the kids burst out in tears, devastated because they were saying goodbye to a good friend, to a family member.
The process was all captured on video and posted on Facebook. People thanked the K9 for doing a great job over his five years of service.
“Thank you ODNR K9 Tommy for putting your life on the line in protecting the citizens of your community,” someone wrote.
Watch the heartbreaking video below.
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