SAN ANTONIO – A long career of fighting crime has ended for one member of the Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable's Office canine team.
Donna the dog had suffered for years from health problems that affected her hips. On Thursday morning, her human handler carried out a decision to have her put down.
"The last couple of days, her health issues took a turn for the worse," said Deputy Constable Ramiro Guzman. "After consulting with veterinarians and medical experts, we went ahead and made the decision to end her suffering."
Even with preparation, Guzman found the task heartbreaking. He wiped away tears as he watched fellow deputies carry a stretcher with the 13-year-old Belgian Malinois, draped in a U.S. flag, into a veterinary clinic.
"We've been together day in and day out, 8-, 12-, sometimes 15-hour shifts. Just her and I," Guzman said.
The constable said his canine partner also felt like a member of his family. Guzman said Donna loved to spend her time away from work playing in his backyard and eating table scraps.
But when it came to fighting crime, K-9 Donna was all business. Guzman said during their five-year partnership, Donna helped sniff out drugs many times and took down "the worst of the worst" criminals.
Images: K-9 Donna's crime-fighting career
"She's been a blessing to all of Bexar County, the citizens of Bexar County, whether they know it or not," Guzman said. "She's made this place a better place to live."
Before Donna became involved in local law enforcement, she worked with the U.S. military, Guzman said.
He said losing his four-legged partner has been difficult. Guzman said he knows someday he will have to make way for a new dog, but it won't be easy.
"I don't think that Donna could ever be replaced," Guzman said. "Donna was one of a kind, and she'll forever live in my heart."