"He was more than a dog," is what one retired Carrollton Police officer wanted people to know about his K-9 partner who died recently from an aggressive illness.
The department shared the news about retired K-9 Theo Saturday, writing how much these four-legged officers are truly "one of us." But it was the heartfelt words from Theo's human partner that show just the kind of love that K-9 officers and their handlers share.
"I have loved this dog for many years and he did the same in return unconditionally," wrote retired officer Jay Shepard, who worked with the K-9 for two years.
Shepard shared that the illness took Theo in less than 24 hours, but explained the K-9's long career dedicated to keeping people safe.
"His service to our country with his military handler was nothing short of awesome," Shepard said, explaining how Theo had four IED finds before he was injured and flown out.
Then, as a police dog, Theo had 126 deployments - 26 tracks for suspects with 11 locates and 100 explosive ordinance detection sweeps. Shepard said Theo also "showed he knew what he was doing" at the southeast K-9 conference when they placed first and second in the two years they attended. Add in countless public relations details, Shepard said Theo was without a doubt, "He was respected and known for his work."
Shepard said once Theo began showing signs of illness, he called the animal hospital right away, but he said it wasn't long before they knew.
"There was really only one choice. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do," Shepard said. "I stayed by Theo’s side through it all and sat in the floor with him for a while before the staff came in to say their good-byes."
Shepard closed by saying just how much Theo was loved by all, adding that he knows they won't be apart forever.
"Godspeed Theo, until we meet again," he said.
The Carrollton Police Department shared their condolences with Shepard, writing, "Most don’t realize that these K-9s are truly one of us. Theo loved all of us and we loved him. Theo loved children and they loved him. Theo not only served our community; he also served this country. We love you, Jay, and you, too, will always be one of us."
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