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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’s 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 Sheriff’s 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

called for .jpg
Handler: Patrolman Tim Milter
Berea Police Department
17 Berea Commons
Berea, Ohio 44017
(440) 826-5870

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

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. Charger’s new police family was primarily responsible for his initial training. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department and Maryland State Police K9 units, with assistance from The Law Enforcement Bloodhound Association provided additional training, which lasted for almost a year. Charger’s 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. 
Charger’s 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 centimetre 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 kilometres 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 euthanised. "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 euthanise 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.
MORE:
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." 
More:
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 tomeet 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

K-9 Cinta dead after long career with NCCO police
By TERRI SANGINITI, The News Journal
A former New Castle County police K-9 dog who served the department for nine years died this week of medical problems.  Fifteen-year-old K-9 Cinta, who was Cpl. Terry O’Conner’s canine partner, was put to rest Tuesday — six years to the day after retiring from the force, county police spokesman Cpl.Trinidad Navarro said.
The German shepherd was born in the Czech Republic and was later trained as a county police dog.
During her career, Cinta was responsible for the apprehension of many missing adults and children and wanted persons. In the first four years of her police career, she made more than 60 tracking apprehensions, which was a record in the department until being surpassed by her police canine colleague Nike. Her actions contributed to the seizure of several kilos of cocaine and several hundred thousand dollars in suspected drug money. 
Prior to her retirement on Dec. 18, 2001, she placed on the second team in a triathlon sponsored by the Virginia Police Work Dog Association. After she retired, Cinta became O’Conner’s house pet.
O’Conner’s 70-year-old neighbor often took her for walks when her handler worked patrols with his
new canine. submitted by Dawn Lanhan & Jim Contina, Dir. CPWDA
Update:
When Terry would bring Cinta into RECOM, the radio dispatch area, Cinta would know which drawer we kept her tennis ball.  She would go to that drawer and then want us to throw the ball so she could fetch.  She would never tire of this game and we all looked forward to seeing Terry and Cinta play.  She was a wonderful K9.  She and Terry made a fantastic team.  She was a very beautiful K9 and we all will miss her.
Dawn Lanham, Dispatcher