Trending Topics

Va. search and rescue dog dies while on mission with sheriff’s office

“From a small abandoned puppy to a hero. We will miss you K9 Maddy,” GARD K9 stated

Abandoned puppy turned K-9 ‘hero’ dies from toxic substance in Virginia, cops say

GARD K9 Search and Rescue said the German shepherd was abandoned as a puppy and found at a Kentucky cemetery in 2013. Three years later, the K-9 became a certified state volunteer team with handler Andrew Piske , according to the post.

GoFundMe

By Natalie Demaree
The Charlotte Observer

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. — Officers announced the tragic death of a heroic German shepherd who served over 100 missions in Virginia.

The K-9, named Maddy, died Sept. 20 after coming into contact with a toxic substance during an operation with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said in a Sept. 23 Facebook post.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a dedicated hero,” officers said in the post.

The sheriff’s office said the K-9 became ill after the mission and went to an emergency veterinarian who confirmed the dog ingested a harmful substance. After spending the night at the vet, officers said they received the news that Maddy’s kidneys were failing.

Maddy died surrounded by family, GARD K9 Search and Rescue said in a Sept. 20 Facebook post.

“Maddy’s life is one you read about in storybooks,” GARD K9 officials said.

GARD K9 Search and Rescue said the German shepherd was abandoned as a puppy and found at a Kentucky cemetery in 2013. Three years later, the K-9 became a certified state volunteer team with handler Andrew Piske, according to the post.

Over eight and a half years, the team worked with law enforcement throughout Virginia and with federal agents — in one instance saving a life, GARD K9 said.

“From a small abandoned puppy to a hero. We will miss you K9 Maddy,” GARD K9 said.

©2024 The Charlotte Observer.
Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
“Sergeant [Jacob] Wolterbeek was a respected member of the Biddeford Police Department,” Chief JoAnne Fisk stated
Policing is a serious profession, but it isn’t lacking in hilarious moments. Take a look at our top 10 favorites!
“I’ve been working really hard with the community; they are actually accepting us now. I’ve seen a change in that,” Lake Norden Chief Mike Morgan said
Which of these viral TikTok fitness trends will you try next?