By Wendy Burton
Muskogee Phoenix
MUSKOGEE, Okla. — K-9 Officer Bosco rode for the last time in the back of the Special Operations Unit truck he had served in during his service to the Muskogee Police Department on Friday. He rode side-by-side with his long-time partner, Lt. William Peters.
They were escorted by a multitude of law enforcement officers and first responders as the 11-year-old German shepherd was taken to be euthanized at the Eastside Veterinary Clinic.
Bosco looked around slowly, and barely stayed upright as he was gently laid on a Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service stretcher outside the clinic. Law enforcement officers from the police department, Special Investigations Unit, sheriff’s office, and MCEMS lined up outside, silently awaiting the news Bosco was gone.
“577. 577. 577. K-9 Officer Bosco served the Muskogee Police Department with honor, distinction and bravery from 2008 to 2014. End of watch April 20, 2017. Thank you for your service. You will be missed,” said a Muskogee E-911 dispatcher over the police radio a short time after Bosco was wheeled inside.
Bosco was a partner to Muskogee Police Department Lt. William Peters. The award-winning K-9 worked primarily with the Special Operations Unit, and the duo were named Oklahoma State Canine Team of the Year by the Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers in 2013.
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Peters said Bosco has been living with his family since the K-9 retired from service in 2014. The dog had difficulty standing, and was suffering from hip dysplasia and a myriad of other health problems, he said.
“Obviously, I didn’t want to,” Peters said. “But he spent so much time taking care of us, I felt like we had to care of him so he’s not hurting anymore.”
Bosco’s last days were happy, though, Peters said, and after he is cremated, his remains will go back home with Peters.
“Living with me, that was the cool thing since he retired,” Peters said. “I have a 4-year-old daughter, and they played quite a bit.”
After the dispatcher announced Bosco had died to the assembled officers and emergency responders, Peters came outside and hugged each and every one.
Then, he brought out a folded American flag, badge and vest and laid it gently in the back of the special operations truck.
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©2017 the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.)