In Georgia, K-9s are considered police officers. They have badges. They live in families, just like their human counterparts.
My son, Bots Finnegan, is a corporal in the K-9 Division of the Gwinnett County Police Department. His K-9 partner is Euro.
A couple of years ago, I had several long talks with Bots about a K-9 in his department that was retired but was one of the most decorated dogs in Georgia history. Aryn died in retirement, and Bots was one of the officers who organized his funeral. I saw pictures from the Georgia papers, and it was impressive.
Right after we got to Bots's last week there was another K-9 funeral, which we attended.
K-9 Ex was a retired Doraville officer that died of natural causes at age 10.
Oak Rest Pet Gardens in Gwinnett County has a Garden of Honor set aside for working dogs and retired working dogs. Bots and Euro were going to attend, so my husband and I tagged along.
It was a moving occasion.
Programs were handed out with a biography of the Czech Republic-born ex od Stribrnaku. He served with both the Lilburn and Doraville police departments during his seven-year career. His handler was Lt. Jason Deyette, who attended with his family.
Also in attendance were officers and K-9 officers from Doraville, Gwinnett, Lawrenceville and elsewhere.
The honor guard who carried the flag-draped casket was from the DeKalb County PD and was the taps player. The bagpiper was from Hall County Sheriff's Department. About 60 people, both civilians and officers, attended.
The honor guard brought the casket to the gazebo, where the service, including remarks from a sergeant, captain and the police chief, were given. The honor guard folded the flag and presented it to Lt. Deyette.
The casket was carried to the gravesite where the "Prayer for Animals" was read.
The Garden of Honor is impressive, with some gravestones being as elaborate as those in the people cemeteries.
After the service, Bots and I visited the grave of Aryn, the dog for which he had arranged the funeral.
He showed me what kind of a stone he wants when it becomes Euro's time to go to the Garden of Honor. Hopefully, that will be many years down the road after Euro retires and really gets to spend more quality "family time."
I think the "K-9 Promise" on the back of the program summed it up best:
"My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect you and yours.
"My ears are your ears to hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
"My nose is your nose to scent the invader in your domain.
"And so you may live, my life is yours."
Sue Botsford is a retired staff writer for the Press-Republican. She is still an occasional contributor and can be reached by e-mail at sbotsford@pressrepublican.com
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