Beloved police dog passes away on New Years Day
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A beloved police dog has passed away just 12 days into his retirement, leaving his partner of 7 years heartbroken. Hondo, a beautiful german shepherd who worked with Vancouver police Const. Sandra Glendinning passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
Hondo had his share of health problems, but they never slowed him down much and he always came back to work ready to serve. In 2010 he had a near fatal immune disease and he had surgery in November to remove his spleen. The spleen had a cancerous tumour and the vet warned that when the cancer came back it would be aggressive, but Glendinning didn’t expect it this soon after he retired.
“Hondo’s getting on, and it’s time for him to enjoy a very well-deserved retirement. He’s ready to crash out on the big fluffy dog bed in front of our fireplace, and to being self-assigned the job of keeping starlings off the bird feeders in our back yard,” she wrote in her blog recently. On Monday they went for a walk together and Hondo was his usual enthusiastic self.
But on Tuesday that changed she wrote, “Hondo was propped on his forelegs, labouring for breath. It was clear he had suffered a catastrophic setback — he made a soft cry with every breath. It was time. My dear, sweet dog, my faithful partner since 2005 was leaving me.” Police dogs and their handlers grow very close as they both live and work together and trust each other with their lives every day, so for Glendinning it is like losing a member of her family.
Hondo was a treasured member of the department who loved to chase bad guys and track scents, and will remembered for his devotion both to his job and his partner.
Deepest sympathy in your loss.
Woof woof!
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As loving owners we must make the difficult decisions. I had to with my boy Tippy after 15+ years his kidneys failed. It was one of the hardest things to do, but I couldn’t let my boy suffer, I was with him holding him and patting him until the end. Don’t worry Sandra. Hondo is playing at the rainbow bridge, and I’m sure he’ll still have your back. So sorry for the loss.
Woof woof!
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Honda, you will be welcomed when you cross the rainbow bridge by many many new and, probably some old, friends that will be more than happy to “show you the ropes”!! Enjoy your freedom, Hondo!!!
Woof woof!
5 
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Very sorry for your loss..
My heart feels what your going through,,Karen ,,,I’ll be sipping a wee bit of irish bushnels in salute of your dear friend ,Hondo!,,,
At least he lived a life full of love and knew how much you cared, he will be waiting for you by the bridge when the time is right
Woof woof!
6 
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Hondo’s short life was filled with the love of his fellow officers and partner, and the joy of belonging and doing what he loved. While he will be missed, his spirit will live on for those who were fortunate to know and love him.
Woof woof!
4 
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A relationship & bond nobody will ever truely know but yourself & hondo.Thinking of you at this difficult time..Prayers are with you.
Woof woof!
4 
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God Bless you and know that Hondo is without pain now. Thank you Hondo for your service and thank all you officers and canines.
Officer Glendinning – I’m so sorry for your loss! May God hold you close and help you grieve, and heal.
God bless.