\nPolice dogs are an invaluable part of any police department. They do critical police work, including tracking down missing people. They\u2019re also beloved by their fellow officers, seen as both a pet and a colleague.\n
When the time comes for these dogs to cross over the rainbow bridge, they deserve a respectful send-off that recognizes their life of hard work and heroism.\n
That\u2019s what one terminally ill K9 received, with a touching final salute from his fellow officers.\n
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Led by her handler, Master Deputy II Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Natalzia, K9 Candy, the VBSO’s first narcotics-detection dog, retired valiantly Monday morning after nearly 10 years of service and thousands of operational searches. K9 Candy was diagnosed with cancer last week. The VBSO honored her service by lining a Virginia Beach Correctional Center hallway with deputies saluting her final departure from work.\n
K9 Candy, an 11-year-old German shepherd, carried her favorite tennis ball throughout the service.
\nSince joining the department in 2014, K9 Candy completed over 2,900 operational searches. She is responsible for seizing 278 pounds of illicit narcotics with an estimated street value of $937,895. Good girl! We will miss you, K9 Candy! \ud83d\udc94\ud83d\udc3e\n
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A German shepherd named Candy was part of the Virginia Beach Sheriff\u2019s Office since 2014, serving as their first narcotics detection dog. In her almost-decade of service, she performed over 2,900 operational searches, helping to seize 278 pounds of illegal narcotics, according to the sheriff\u2019s office.\n
Candy formed a special bond with her handler, Master Deputy II Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Natalzia. \u201cShe went everywhere with me,\u201d Natalzia told McClatchy News. \u201cYou see these dogs more than you see your family.\u201d\n
But recently he started to notice the 11-year-old dog slowing down. Candy developed a limp and would not eat her food. He took her to the vet, and it was discovered that Candy had cancer which had spread throughout her body.\n
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\u201cIt was in her lungs, it was everywhere,\u201d Natalzia said. \u201cThe vet said there was nothing they could do and I couldn\u2019t even comprehend it \u2013 we had only gone for a routine visit.\u201d\n
With the terminal cancer advancing, Natalzia knew the humane thing to do was take Candy to the vet to be euthanized. But first, the sweet dog got to say a final goodbye to her police colleagues.\n
On Monday, officers organized a ceremonial final walkout for Candy, with officers lining the halls of the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and saluting the retiring K9 as she left work for the final time. Many of the officers are visibly emotional as they say their final goodbye.\n