A narcotics detection dog with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department in Texas had to be put down this week after his terminal bone cancer had become too painful to bear. To honor the 9-year-old German Shepherd Dog, named Argo, the department honored him with a “Last Call,” a radio tribute given to officers who die in the line of duty, often during funerals.
The department posted the video of Argo and his handler’s family in his final moments. The Last Call occurred during a private ceremony. “Argo was credited with taking thousands of pounds of dangerous drugs off of our streets as well as the apprehension of many dangerous felons,” the post explained.
According to the department, Argo will be publicly honored on November 10 at the South Texas K9 Competition.
See the video below:
Good morning friends.It is with a heavy heart that we wish to inform you of the passing of one of our K-9 working dogs, Argo.Argo was born on the 13th of March 2006 in the Czech Republic. Argo was a perfect example of his breed, the Czech German Shepherd. After being acquired from Creative Kennels in Turlock, California, he proudly began his training and service with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office in August of 2009 and was partnered with LT Francisco Guerrero. Argo was a Narcotics Detection Dog that certified with the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association on a yearly basis as well as a skilled and relentless Police Tracking Dog. Argo was credited with taking thousands of pounds of dangerous drugs off of our streets as well as the apprehension of many dangerous felons.Argo was diagnosed with bone cancer, but refused to let it slow him down. Only after the pain became evident to his partner and the cancer was found to be all over his body and terminal, was the hard, painful, but loving decision made to end his suffering. Argo was given a small and private ceremony where he was honored with the traditional Last Call, given to those who pass in the line of duty.The HCSO is aware that a video was taken by a family member and released a few days ago that shows Argo's final moments and his Last Call. We would now like to share it with you, as we have given our K-9 handlers and Argo's family an appropriate time to grieve.Thank you for your kind words during this time. Argo will be publicly honored at the HCSO First Annual South Texas K9 Competition on November 10, 2015.We forever remain your humble servants.#myHCSO
Posted by Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, October 15, 2015