PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Arizona Department of Public Safety and the law enforcement community are mourning the loss of a K-9 whose promising service career was cut short.
The department said Friday that K-9 Jack suffered a medical crisis on the evening of July 9. Veterinary staff did all they could to try to save the pup, but Jack did not survive.
His handler and fellow team members are remembering the young Belgian Malinois, who had a promising future ahead of him.(Arizona Department of Public Safety)
Veterinarians later learned he died because of an undiagnosed birth defect. He was just 18 months old.
“Jack had a bright future ahead of him and was a valued member of our Canine Unit,” a DPS spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
K-9 Jack, a brown and tan Belgian Malinois, had been with the department since February, working on patrol and detecting narcotics.
“His loss is deeply felt by his handler, fellow team members and all who had the privilege of working with him. Jack will be greatly missed, and we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by his passing,” the spokesperson said.
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