My partner's career has ended. Thanks for everything Ajo...

[scattergun13]

Mods if I've posted this in the wrong place please move as appropriate.

Hello all. Please indulge me a moment to say thank you and farewell to my previous K9 partner "Ajo'. He is the dog pictured in my avatar. Ajo was my partner for 5 great years and together we accomplished many things. We took over $150,000.00 worth of illicit narcotics off the streets, apprehended somewhere around 75 fleeing felons, some of whom were bitten and tracked and located 3 lost children and 5 elderly dementia patients who had wandered away and gotten lost. Ajo was quietly sleeping in the back of my k9 unit in the early morning hours of a cold night in 2009 when I was fortunate enough to find MTO on my in car computer. He snored loudly as I introduced myself to the membership and told my story of Logan Luka. Ajo was also very close to 5 year old Logan before Logan's passing from a terminal illness. Prior to his death, Logan was made an honorary k9 officer and I shared Ajo with him. Ajo would lay beside him in his hospital bed and comfort him when the pain was just too much for a 5 year old little boy. Ajo and I buried Logan together in a specially made k9 uniform 2 years ago.

Ajo retired shortly after me in 2012 and it saddens me to tell you that Ajo's time is now near. His health is failing more each day but he never complains. While Ajo was a true "bite dog", he loved children and we passed many happy hours interacting with sick kids. I shared some of Ajo's exploits here and many of you congratulated him and frequently asked about his welfare. I thank you all for that and felt compelled to share his current status with you. I know the inevitable is soon to come and I am trying to prepare myself. He means the world to me and was a better cop than I could have ever hoped to be. He served our community well and was happy with a simple pat on the head and the words "bravo ajo".

Soon Ajo's service will end for good. For now I am simply trying to enjoy every second of these last short days we have together. Ajo and I both deeply appreciate everyone's concern for him and interest in his career. He will always be the best partner I ever served with. Thank you for listening, and for allowing me to share this amazing animal with you all.

Stew and K9 partner "AJO"

[kirk13]

It's always sad to lose a loved one Stew,although for you it must be like saying goodbye to a brothere

[scattergun13]

It's always sad to lose a loved one Stew,although for you it must be like saying goodbye to a brothere

It is exactly like that. Thank you Kirk. Sir.

Stew...

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It must be awful mate, and I know its an awful time for you

He does sound like a bloody hero, and I'm sure your very proud of him and have given him the very best life any dog could ask for mate


Sent from the astropathic choir.

[scattergun13]

It must be awful mate, and I know its an awful time for you

He does sound like a bloody hero, and I'm sure your very proud of him and have given him the very best life any dog could ask for mate


Sent from the astropathic choir.

Ajo was definitely legendary in this part of our state. Thanks for your kind words my friend. I'll whisper them to Ajo, I promise.

Stew...

[RimfireNZ]

Sorry to hear that Scattergun

I lost thee pets in the space of three months earlier this year. It sucks. It must be even worse when they’re your “partner in crime”.

It sounds like you and he have made a real difference in your community.

[captain spaulding]

I can relate in a way. My dog is not a K9 partner in the same sense you speak of, but is most definitely my K9 partner. I got her as a puppy. She knows nothing else, but me and would do anything I ask of her with no expectation of anything in return. She has been by my side through thick and thin. She (like Ajo) is getting progressively worse and I am dreading the day that will inevitably come. I'm just glad I have time to appreciate her every day and really appreciate every minute we spend together. They really are mans best friend.

[scattergun13]

Sorry to hear that Scattergun

I lost thee pets in the space of three months earlier this year. It sucks. It must be even worse when they’re your “partner in crime”.

It sounds like you and he have made a real difference in your community.

He was very much my partner in crime. I love that. Sorry to hear of your losses, I have no doubt they were equally as hard. Our k9 friends are all loyal and our best friends, no matter their occupation. Thank my friend.

Stew...

[scattergun13]

I can relate in a way. My dog is not a K9 partner in the same sense you speak of, but is most definitely my K9 partner. I got her as a puppy. She knows nothing else, but me and would do anything I ask of her with no expectation of anything in return. She has been by my side through thick and thin. She (like Ajo) is getting progressively worse and I am dreading the day that will inevitably come. I'm just glad I have time to appreciate her every day and really appreciate every minute we spend together. They really are mans best friend.

Hi Captain. Thanks for posting, I knew you would. Your partner is the same as mine and they both mean just as much to us and give to both of us without asking anything in return. Scratch her ears from Ajo and me.

Stew...

[ducttapetech]

Stew, I am so sorry. It sucks loosing such a loyal friend. I have had to do this myself. Some people say they are just dogs or just pets. Maybe so. But to me they are more than that. Rather you are right or wrong, think or thin and to hell and back, that 'pet' will be right there with you when others turn there backs.
I wish you the best of luck.

Nate 

That's us mobile.

[scattergun13]

Stew, I am so sorry. It sucks loosing such a loyal friend. I have had to do this myself. Some people say they are just dogs or just pets. Maybe so. But to me they are more than that. Rather you are right or wrong, think or thin and to hell and back, that 'pet' will be right there with you when others turn there backs.
I wish you the best of luck.

Nate 

That's us mobile.

Very well said Nate. Thank you very much.

Stew...

[lowtech]

I feel with you. Make Ajos time a good one!

[gregozedobe]

It doesn't matter how long we share our lives with them, it is always too soon when it is time to let them go.  It takes courage to make the decision about when is the right time, but if you ask yourself what is best for your much-loved Ajo you will know when that is.

Afterwards try to focus on all the good times you had together (and it sounds like those were plentiful).

Take care, and we are all here for you if you need to talk more ......

[pfrsantos]

I've been there a few times myself. Make the best of your time toghether. It's not how long, it's how well that counts.

 

[zoidberg]

I'm sorry to hear this. With you in spirit though. 

[derekmac]

I really sorry to hear this Stew.     I know how it feels to lose a greatly loved pet, but to lose your partner, one that has had your back on so many occasions, and has also given you such great happiness and love, it must make it that much harder.

Thank you for telling us about Ajo, and sharing pics and stories about him.  I wish his remaining time to be peaceful, and filled with comfort and love.

We're all here for you Stew, and we will do whatever we can to help ease the pain.

[Chako]

Yes, it is unfortunate that they have such short lives compared to ours. I have also went through the same thing multiple times, and it never gets easier. My friend, I can only imagine the deeper bond one makes when you go out day in and day out depending on each other in the pursuit of a dangerous but necessary occupation. I can only think that such co-dependence in a partnership would only server to strengthen those bonds of family and comradeship.

My thoughts and prayers your way buddy. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

This is horrible news. I'm so sorry to read this.

My parents' dog Chip just passed away a couple of days ago and I have been in this situation more times than I want to think about. I really feel for you man. This is the hardest time in life man. Hang in there man.  We are all here for you.

The best I can say at a time like this is that while things will never be the same again, they can be OK.

Def

Sent from a digital multitool

[scattergun13]

My sincere appreciation to all for the posts. All are helpful and spot on. Clearly, everyone has been through this before. I knew I would get good advice and support here. No less than what Ajo and I expected from our extended family.
  to all and thanks so much.

Stew and Ajo...
Chako, Derek, zoidberg, santos, greg, lowtech, your words mean a lot right now.

[scattergun13]

This is horrible news. I'm so sorry to read this.

My parents' dog Chip just passed away a couple of days ago and I have been in this situation more times than I want to think about. I really feel for you man. This is the hardest time in life man. Hang in there man.  We are all here for you.

The best I can say at a time like this is that while things will never be the same again, they can be OK.

Def

Sent from a digital multitool

And I can live with that. He did his job and did it well. Thanks Boss.

Stew and Ajo...

[detron]

I am sorry to hear about this,  may his memory be a light in this dark world

[Aloha]

Ajo  thank you for your service.  What a hero this beautiful dog is and what an amazing career he had.  I love the idea of this tuff guy chasing down bad people and getting all those drugs of the streets yet loving kids so tenderly.  Just like all heros, when its go time they are all business, and when it play time they sure know how to play. 

Wishing you strength during this time and Ajo comfort in this twilight of his amazing life.   

[Zed]

Sorry for your lose mate,its amazing the bond we all get with our dogs,they stay so loyal to us and all they ask for is love,i miss both my old dogs and still think of them and it puts a smile on my face,he will always be with you in your heart 

[sawman]

You have my sincerest thoughts my friend. It's been several years since I've had to put down a loyal friend but I flash back to it and it bites me in the ass even to this day. I enjoyed every last minute of our time together and when time was up, I didn't handle it well, but I handled it. I grew up with him and no one could ever replace that bond we had.

Give him a scratch behind the ears from me. I love all animals and appreciate such a pet's loyal service

For what it's worth, I really solidly believe that animals go to heaven to be reuinited with their partners one day. That's all I'll say on the forbidden religion subject 

Take care Stew and if you need to talk, send one of us a PM

[Mr. Whippy]

I'm so sorry.

I find the loss of a dog usually hits me harder than the loss of humans.   The one thought that helps me is knowing I tried to be there for them throughout their lives and that when they passed, they knew I was always there for them.

[JAfromMn]

That sucks stew

[Grathr]

Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk

[Sweety-Sama]

So so so sad to read this :,(


-----------------------------
Using a future communicator stolen from the NCC-1701

[VictorLouis]

Fix Ajo a good, big steak before he goes. He's earned it. 

[jerseydevil]

Really sorry to read this Stew. Having to put doen a friend like that is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.....