One final ride for dedicated police K9

One last ride with fellow police officers for a dedicated servant

Before she was put to sleep, Kora, a recently retired police dog, was able to take one last ride in a police cruiser.

The 11-year-old German shepherd, who retired from the West Hartford Police Department in August after nine years of service, had not been feeling well, said Officer Eric Rocheleau, Kora's handler. Kora lived with Rocheleau during her short retirement.

Rocheleau said he brought Kora to the vet on Monday, and an ultrasound and X-ray showed that Kora had tumors on her spine and liver and that she was bleeding internally. Rocheleau said he sought a second opinion, but said both vets agreed that Kora should be put down.

But before her final appointment, the police department decided to take Kora for a final ride in a police cruiser.

"I was met at the vet with my old cruiser, and we were able to give Kora one last ride in her old car," Rocheleau said Thursday. "Both K-9 handlers, the K-9 unit supervisor, the sergeant on duty and animal control were there to give me support."

Read the full story here http://www.courant.com/community/west-hartford/hc-police-dog-takes-one-last-ride-before-her-death-20120105,0,5644190.story