Police dogs are a vital asset to any police force. They perform vital police tasks, such as searching for missing people. They are also adored by their coworkers, who regard them as both a pet and a colleague.
When it comes time for these canines to cross the rainbow bridge, they deserve a dignified send-off that honors their life of sacrifice and valor.That’s what one terminally ill K9 got, along with a heartfelt last salute from his fellow cops.
Candy, a German shepherd, has been with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office since 2014, working as the department’s first narcotics detection dog. According to the sheriff’s office, she conducted over 2,900 operational searches over her nearly decade of employment, assisting in the seizure of 278 pounds of illegal narcotics.
Candy developed an attachment to her handler, Master Deputy II Anthony “Tony” Natalzia. “She went everywhere with me,” Natalzia explained to McClatchy News. “You see these dogs more than you see your family.”
However, he has suddenly seen the 11-year-old dog slowing down. Candy developed a limp and refused to eat. When he took Candy to the vet, it was determined that she had cancer that had spread throughout her body.”It was in her lungs, everywhere,” Natalzia explained. “The vet said there was nothing they could do and I couldn’t even comprehend it – we had only gone for a routine visit.”
With Candy’s fatal cancer progressing, Natalzia realized the most humanitarian thing to do was to take her to the clinic to be euthanized. But first, the beautiful dog had the opportunity to say her final goodbyes to her police colleagues.
Officers prepared a ceremonial last walkout for Candy on Monday, with officers lined the halls of the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and applauding the departing K9 as she left work for the last time. Many of the officers are visibly moved as they bid their final farewells.
Candy walked the entire distance with her favorite tennis ball. Natalzia drove Candy to the vet after the walkout, where she was put down.
