If they think so much of dogs, how can they ruthlessly shoot ours?
WEST DEPTFORD TWP. — With more than 20 West Deptford police officers looking on, joined by at least 70 others representing departments from across South Jersey, Cpl. Michael Franks on Friday took his last walk with his partner and beloved pet, retired K-9 Judge, into St. Francis Veterinary Center.
After watching his former partner battle Cushings Disease for months, experiencing symptoms like vomiting, bleeding and hair loss — and witnessing the former K-9 officer struggle to even move over the past few days — Franks and his family made the heartbreaking decision to put Judge down.
“(Judge) had gone under surgery, and was taking medication for the disease, but it quickly deteriorated, unfortunately,” said West Deptford Deputy Chief Sean McKenna, standing in the reception area of the Woolwich animal hospital, surrounded by fellow officers, all waiting somberly as Franks and Judge spent their last moments together in one of the patient rooms.
“The doctors gave him several months to live,” he added. “He hasn’t been up in a few days. However, today, (Franks) gave Judge his last bite.”
That “last bite” saw Franks donning the K-9 department’s protective arm sleeve, and, just as in training, allowing Judge to latch his jaws onto it one final time.
Judge was still holding the sleeve in his mouth as he and Franks walked into the hospital.
Awaiting them were officers and canines from nearly every police department in Gloucester County, as well as the Salem County Sheriff’s Department and the Atlantic County K-9 Academy.
“It’s about showing respect, but also the people who are here wanted to thank Judge for his service to the community,” said Glassboro Sgt. Dan Eliasen, who supervises his department’s K-9 division. “No one has forgotten what he’s done — and that includes protecting his partner and his community.”
Eliasen later added that, unfortunately, losing their animal partner like this is something that many K-9 division officers experience.
“We all go through it,” he said. “No handler escapes this part of it.”
The West Deptford community in November came to the aid of Judge and Franks, donating more than $12,000 in less than two days toward the 9-year-old Czech Shepherd’s veterinary bills. At that time, they had racked up more than $10,000 in veterinary bills — nearly all of which the family had to pay for out of pocket — after doctors diagnosed Judge with Cushings Disease.
Judge began his career in West Deptford in 2007, and served for seven years until problems with his teeth forced him into retirement in August 2014.
During his time as a K-9 officer, Judge had been deployed 280 times, apprehending a total of 152 suspects. He also helped recover three stolen vehicles, three firearms and approximately $47,000 in alleged drug money.
“It’s great to see everyone and all the departments out here — the K-9 Association has been very supportive with everything we need,” said McKenna. “Judge was a great dog, a really good dog.”
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Jason Laday may be reached at jladay@southjerseymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonLaday. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
Well isn’t that rather morbid(his last bite). I realize Judge was only following orders from his sadistic masters and he is one of God’s creatures so he gets a pass from me. As far as his handlers, I have other judgment to pass as they are further up the food chain and held to a higher standard.
Yea, I see how it is. When something or someone means something to the pigs, we should all bow down and pay our respects, but when that something or someone means something to the peasants, it doesn’t matter.
Sick bastards! 😡
They should be thinking of their families when they hit the street for another “tour”, as if we are enemy combatants, and decide to wield their authority on us. They would have fewer earmarkings of a sociopath.
“No one has forgotten what he’s done — and that includes protecting his partner and his community.”
That would be the elite community, not us common folk.
What they really meant to say was, “Protecting his partner and community” from any “common folk” getting a “fair shake”.
That too.
I do not codone what is going in alot of circles….I think alot of us knew this was going on in some of those circles. Alot of what they have done wrong which is plain wrong is elitist…arrogant and stupidly naive.
However lets not excoriate all the good cops left out there in our country while few in the bunch all it takes is a few good men. I am counting on that….not that optimistic…but still hopeful there is a light in this darkness. I know of one in particular in my hometown….and he does a great job. I think we need to thank the ones that are doing a fine job. If you know them….thank them! They need to hear from the community. Those that are honest know there is not much trust all across the country. It can’t hurt to maybe take one to lunch one day and show your appreciation. And no it can’t be Dunkin Donuts. 🙂
Grok it….
http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lemongrass-Dog
I put 2 ozs of hash on our ferry to the mainland in bits and pieces everywhere and would have dearly loved to eat the frickin k-9 that was sniffing cars. Gods snot who cares about a k-9?
It’s pretty damned obvious that law enforcement has more regard for their f^#king dog than they do for the American people they swore an oath to. “Your papers please, now, bend over and spread ’em and hold your nut sack out of the way!”