​Cops Turn Out To Say Bye To Cancer-Stricken Police Dog

Cops in Arkansas have paid an emotional farewell to a loyal police dog that had to be put down after being diagnosed with terminal illness.

Pajti, a German Shepherd police dog in Lonoke County, was given an honour guard by his human colleagues as he was led into the police building for the last time.

"K9 Pajti's 10-7. Attention all units: This is Deputy K9 Pajti's final ride. Deputy K9 Pajti: Thank you for your service to the citizens of Lonoke County and surrounding areas. Deputy Pajti, you have served in a special manner, and it has been an honor to serve with you. Rest in peace, we will take it from here," sounded the last radio call out for the police dog, who had been with the Lonoke County Police, just outside of the state capital of Little Rock, for five years.

The dog has been stricken with a bone cancer called Osteosarcoma, which rendered him unfit for work and caused vets to decide that he must be put down.

Deputy Brooks Grabill, his K9 handler, was distraught to let his friend go after the dog served in the force since 2013.

"He's one of the deputies. It's important because he's one of us," said the officer. "Even now when I have to leave him at home over the last couple months, he whines when I walk out the door.

"It's because he sees me in uniform and he wants to go to work. His personality is something that's unbelievable. He could chase after a bad guy and apprehend him, and in the next five minutes that guy could be petting him."

Another handler, Deputy Rob Ruble, paid tribute to Patji and Brable.

He said: "Being a canine handler, you're with these dogs 24/7. The bond with them is just outrageous. It's like losing a partner. That's what it is. These guys have lost their partner.

"We have to show respect to the dogs just like we would any other deputy. They have a badge and an ID just like every other deputy out there. They're part of the department, they're part of our family."

The whole police department turned out to see Patji off, joined by other law enforcement authorities.

Sheriff Staley, head of the Lonoke County police department, told media: "He would be the first one to put his life on the line for us. What I would do for a deputy, I'm going to do for him."

Featured Image Credit: KATV7

Topics: Dog, Feels, Animals, USA

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim