Before being diagnosed with cancer, K-9 Officer Hunter worked for the Middletown Police Department in Connecticut for ten years with his partner Michael D’Aresta and their coworkers.

They wanted him to know how much they loved him on his last day on Earth.

Hunter put his life on the line every day while on the force to keep the community secure. After his health took a turn for the worse, his selfless sacrifices to the force came to a heartbreaking end recently:

“K-9 Hunter has been sick for a few days, and tests found that he has a very aggressive type of liver cancer. Sgt. Doug Clark, Middletown K-9 boss, wrote online, “Unfortunately, they recommended that he be euthanized.”

D’Aresta, who had to make the tough decision to lay his friend to sleep as a result of the diagnosis, was not alone in his sorrow. When the sad day arrived, D’Aresta held Hunter in his arms outside the veterinary office, flanked by his fellow officers, as he received one final salute from those who had served so faithfully alongside him.

Clark wrote, “Officer D’Aresta and Hunter have been an outstanding team serving the City of Middletown in a high caliber since 2007.” “As you can imagine, Mike and his family are going through a lot right now.”

Middletown has a population of about 50,000 residents, but due to the touching way the police department said goodbye to K-9 Hunter, his legacy has spread across the country and around the world — and it’s a legacy that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Source: youtube, doginspiration

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.