According to Friday's publication of the Montana Standard, a recently retired military working dog was struck and killed by a hit and run driver earlier this week in Helena, Mont.
The tragedy unfolded on Monday, when the seven-year-old, German shepherd named "Natz," slipped, for the first time, away from his home.
According to Natz's devastated guardian, Rachel Weidner, Natz had somehow slipped from the house and she and her husband were unable to locate him.
Hours later, tell-tale signs of blood and fur on the road, not far from their home, suggested Natz's tragic end. After phoning the police, Weidner learned that her dog's remains had been taken to to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Natz served the military for five years, with several deployments to Iraq, including time with the U.S. Secret Service, working as an explosive detection dog.
Natz retired in May because of post traumatic stress disorder.
On the Facebook page, Military Working Dogs, Natz's guardian shared the following:
We moved to East Helena, MT, where he got to enjoy his short retirement. He LOVED playing fetch with his kong, his tire, and going for walks. He was a monumental part of my life and will be missed more than words can say!
Adding a sentiment of dismay over the driver's apparent lack of compassion:
No one called it in or tried to do anything. My heart is so broken by a careless driver.
Continue reading: Emaciated dog found in a small cage of man's trunk
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