It was the most heartbreaking scene imaginable - a loyal K9 German shepherd was given a touching final salute by fellow police officers before he was euthanised.
The 13-year-old police dog named Sultan has been suffering from seizures and arthritis, and the Yarmouth Police Department made the painful decision of sending him to the Maine vet clinic to be euthanised.
Sultan had served the police force for several years, sniffing out drugs and criminals until he retired at age 10. South Portland canine officer Shane Stephenson told the Associated Press that he took the dog home when he retired. Sultan was so lovable and friendly that he even let Stephenson's baby boy tug on his tail and ears without getting mad.
"But when it came down to business, he was one of the best, too," the officer said.
The day he was euthanised, he was escorted by police with flashing lights, and officers said their private farewells by giving him a last pat and scratch, and even saluted him.
Sultan was the first police dog of the Yarmouth Police Department, and he had quite an impressive track record, responding to over 1,000 calls, helping officers capture dozens of suspects and seize large amounts of cash and more than 100 pounds of narcotics.
Former Yarmouh Officer Mike Vogel, who is now working in Florida described Sultan as a "gentle giant." He was unable to come to the tribute, but he and Stephenson will be conducting a private ceremony for Sultan with their families at a later date.
"There's a lot of attachment with these police dogs. They're with us 24-7," he said.
It is inevitable that K9 handlers and their dogs develop a strong and indescribable bond, according to Justin Cooley of the Maine State Police.
"These are dogs that we take home with us; they get to know our family. They're with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You go through a lot of things with them, and you just dread this day," Cooley said.
