A cop's best friend - police dogs

Animals, July-August, 1998 by Rick Boling

With all their incredible talents and physical skills, however, K-9s are still most respected for their unyielding loyalty and willingness to sacrifice everything for their masters. Thousands of K-9 dogs have lost their lives in service to mankind, and today a K-9s death in the line of duty is treated with the dignity and respect given to any other officer.

Following Kai's death, Officer Thomas received thousands of letters from people throughout the United States, and more than 100 officers drove to Pocatello to pay their respects to the fallen hero. Officers Thomas and Kai each were awarded Medals of Valor, and shortly after Kai's funeral, Bannock County added to that tribute by erecting a large monument in front of its brand-new sheriff's office. Kai's picture appears on the front of the monument, and a poem is inscribed on the back. The poem, whose author is unknown, reads in part:

"And if some day my luck turns bad, I'll relish all the joys I've had. To be with men who stand for good, in a special kind of brotherhood. The story's end by now you know, of how I tried for a better show. I did my best, though I did fall, when I was called and gave my all."

Rick Boling is a freelance writer based in Land O'Lakes, Florida.