» hero police dog succumbs to cancer

Hero Police Dog Succumbs to Cancer

Cancer, a disease that kills one in four dogs, has claimed the life of hero police dog Rocky, a canine member of the Lakewood Police Department in Colorado. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), a Denver-based group that funds research to protect, treat and cure animal disease, initially honored Rocky six years ago when he was shot in the line of duty. The group honors him again today.

"He was more than a dog," said police officer Darren Maurer. "We had a bond that's impossible to describe."

As reported in local newspapers, on Aug. 4, 2002, Rocky was pursuing a criminal with Agent Maurer when he was shot at near point-blank range. Although wounded, Rocky chased the suspect for another 70 yards and caught him.

City officials honored Rocky for his "bravery and fidelity," and MAF sent an honor as well-a Christmas ornament for Rocky that hangs on the Maurer Christmas tree every year.

"Every year we hang the Christmas ornament MAF sent us," Maurer said. "The ornament will always hang on our tree. I'll always have that bond with Rocky."

Sadly, on the anniversary of Rocky's heroism, on Aug. 4, 2008, the dog succumbed to prostate cancer. Maurer, who worked with Rocky during his six years on the force, held the dog in his arms as the Dutch shepherd was euthanized.

As quoted in the Rocky Mountain News, Maurer said, "There's a huge hole in my heart ... he was lifting his head and breathing and it was one barrier in his life he couldn't fight through."

MAF has once again honored Rocky with a plaque and special tribute to his heroism online at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/rocky. A cancer Web site, www.CureCanineCancer.org, and the MAF Canine Cancer Campaign video also recognize the bravery and spirit of police dogs like Rocky.

We invite dog lovers to make contributions to the MAF Canine Cancer Campaign in the name of Rocky, a beloved companion and brave K-9 dog who will be forever missed.

MAF launched an unprecedented global effort to fund research to cure canine cancer, while also funding research to more effectively treat dogs with the disease today. MAF is working with elite scientific institutions around the world to save dogs from cancer. In addition, MAF has already funded more than 100 canine cancer research studies.