Retired Police Dog 'Alk' Dies

One of Concord's former K-9s has passed away.

Here's a message from Officer Ollie Sansen of the Concord Police K9 Association:

It is with great sadness that the Concord Police K9 Association announces the passing of one of our own. On December 13th, 2012 (Retired) Police K9 ‘Alk’ was laid to rest. He had just celebrated his 11th birthday on November 20th, 2012.

K9 Alk came to the United States from Germany in January 2005 and he became a certified patrol K9 that March. He worked with his handler, Officer Krista Sansen for over six years, retiring from patrol on June 11th, 2011. He had been enjoying his retirement at home with his handler ever since.

On 12/13, Alk, better known to his friends and family as ‘Bunny’, went in for a vet visit after his demeanor at home had changed over the past few days.  Unexpectedly, we learned that Alk had developed a highly invasive and fast metastasizing form of cancer in his spleen. Splenic surgery would have prolonged his life another 1-3 months before the internal bleeding would resume and overtake him. It was the hardest, but only decision his handler could make. K9 Alk passed peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by his family.

We thank Alk for the service he provided our community.  He will be missed but never forgotten.

Read more about Concord's K-9 unit and the six officer-police dog teams currently in service.