A Police K-9 Dog Died Yesterday. This is his Caretaker/Partner/Best Friend Saying Goodbye one Last Time.

A photo of K9 Police Dog ‘Solo’ and his partner, Staff Sgt. Carlos Dipuma.

The memorial service included a photo montage of Solo and his partner, Staff Sgt. Carlos Dipuma, as well as a moment of silence for the K-9 officer so many had grown to love.

Then many in the multi-purpose building at Farris Park sniffled as Solo’s last radio call went out.

“Attention all units, be advised that Solo does not respond. K-9 Solo is now deceased and will be laid to rest February 2, 2015,” the dispatcher said.

With that last call came a finality for so many Monday morning: the dog they trusted with their lives was gone.

“I’m gonna miss Solo. I’ve cried so many tears these last couple of days,” Dipuma said. “It’s been hard.”

On Friday, Solo was diagnosed with terminal cancer, two tumors pressing on his heart and spleen. On Monday morning, the department had to put him down.

“It’s gonna be hard knowing when I go in that truck again in the morning time and go 10-8, that my partner won’t be in the back,” Dipuma said.

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Please see the text below, by an unknown author, which is inscribed on the Connecticut State Police K9 Memorial.

A fitting tribute for Solo and all the other heroic K9 Dogs…

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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 whom 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 this 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 K-9 and together we are guardians of the night.

~ Connecticut State Police K9 Memorial

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We give thanks to Solo (above) and Staff Sgt. Carlos Dipuma for their bravery and dedication in protecting and serving the public.