Friday, August 26, 2005

Rusty Junior (R.J.) Killed in Line of Duty

I read with sadness about Rusty Junior, a police dog in Phoenix, that was killed in the line of duty. I can only imagine how his partner feels about the loss of his trusted partner, a true, obedient warrior. His fellow officer said something beautiful to him at his Memorial Service: "now you get to track angels..."
We saw Rusty and his partner doing some tracking in the Scottsdale K-9 Trials last spring, when they competed in the "Handler Protection" event. The dog was intrepid and obedient; the handler was in control and loving, and the supportive crowd cheered Rusty loudly. The ultimate sacrafice that Rusty, or R.J., made with his life is an example of how their partners depend on them. Phoenix police have lost a great officer -- I weep for their loss and his partner's sorrow.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/centralphoenix/articles/0826ext-rj0826Z4.html