A heroic K9 has lost his battle with cancer – but only after a community of animal lovers ensured that the police dog would enjoy one more Christmas and birthday.
Enno the German Shepherd was a K9 at the Hoquiam Police Department who worked for nearly eight years with his partner, Sergeant Jeff Salstrom, to protect and serve the community.
Private citizens Troy and Jennifer Osiadacz raised funds to pay for the treatments to help ensure that Enno's end-of-life was happy and pain-free. The Osiadacz family created cards, pictures, bumper stickers, and "I Support Enno" Tee shirts and sweatshirts.
The animal loving community responded, purchasing shirts and donating to the little fund that could make all the difference in the world for this hometown hero. And it did.
The partnership between Sargeant Salstrom and his German Shepherd partner was based on trust, commitment, and friendship - and Enno was a hero many times over. This hero has fought his last fight - but not before leaving a profound impact on all who met him and heard of him.
On Saturday, February 9, 2013, Enno’s partner, Sergeant Salstrom, posted to the Help Hoquiam’s K9 Enno Facebook page:
It is with much sadness that I tell you I had to put Enno to sleep last night. After a couple of days of declining health, it was time.
He put up a valiant fight against his cancer for longer than I expected. I want to thank you all for your prayers and support.
Enno was at home with his family and went peacefully.
Hoquiam Police Department K-9 Enno - 01/08/03 - EOW 02/08/13
Guardians of the Night:
Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath when all
others have left you and the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all
obstacles and search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, the caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life and
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons, know that each
day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by the
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly for
I am your right arm, the sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.
Together you and I shall
experience a bond only others
like us will understand. When
outsiders see us together, their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.
I will quietly listen to you and
pass no judgment, nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.
If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together we
are guardians of the night.
May you rest in peace, Enno. You truly were an inspirational police dog. You were devoted to your job, your partner, and to the community until the very end.
You knew both of gentleness and of strength.
You were just as adept at providing love and affection to children as you were at apprehending criminals.
Enno, your greatest adversary was cancer. You fought with the courage of a police officer, the strength of a German Shepherd, and the determination of a devoted friend who didn’t want to leave his partner’s side.
Thank you for your service to the City of Hoquiam – and for inspiring supporters worldwide.
There are some very big paw prints to fill, indeed.
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