Officers give emotional salute to terminally ill police dog

CABOT, Ark. – A terminally ill police dog received a hero’s salute when law enforcement officers gathered in central Arkansas to say their final farewells.

Pajti (PY’-tee) had served as a K-9 officer since 2013 in Lonoke County, about 20 miles (30 kilometres) east of Little Rock. But a few months ago, the dog was diagnosed with bone cancer.

His handler, Deputy Brooks Grabill, tells Little Rock television station KTHV that Pajti’s illness advanced rapidly and a veterinarian recommended the dog be euthanized.

On Wednesday, officers from Lonoke County and surrounding agencies drove in a procession with lights and sirens on to accompany Pajti to the shelter where he would be euthanized.

Over the police scanner, a dispatcher said, “This is Deputy K-9 Pajti’s final ride … Thank you for your service.”

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Information from: KTHV-TV, http://www.kthv.com/