A Secret Service dog falls and dies after doing his duties in New Orleans over the weekend. On Jan. 27, CNN reported that the dog was "doing a sweep of a multi-story parking deck near a hotel where Vice President Joe Biden was speaking." The dog fell off the roof and his death is being called a "tragic accident."
The Belgian Malinois was part of the Secret Services canine program which has been in place since 1975. The dogs are trained to sniff out bombs and other explosives. The dog evidently misstepped or tripped and fell 6 stories to its death. His age or how long he had been working with his handler were not released.
It's not often that a Secret Service dog falls and dies. These dogs are put through rigorous training for 20 weeks and they are very agile and adept. This does not mean that accidents can't happen. Sadly, this dog died in such a tragic way and while doing his "job."
The name of the dog's handler has not been released either but most would believe that their relationship was close. People get very close to "their" pets and the Secret Service canine program offers that companionship. When the dogs retire after putting in about 10 years, they are retired to their handler according to CNN.
This Secret Service dog's fall was undoubtedly tragic. When any pet dies, it's never a celebrated occasion.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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