Police dog in Connecticut put down after cancer diagnosis

A police dog handler in Connecticut was forced to say goodbye to his brave K9 partner after it was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Liver cancer.

K9 Hunter had been unwell for a week and when tests revealed the painful prognosis, vets recommended to his handler Officer Michael D’Aresta that his charge be put to sleep. 

Officer D’Aresta and Hunter served the City of Middletown, U.S. together from 2007 until the dog was euthanised on Saturday.

In a Facebook post shared by more than 5,000 people, the MIddletown Police Department paid tribute to the loyal K9.  

‘Officer D’Aresta and Hunter have been an exceptional team serving the City of Middletown in a high caliber since 2007.

‘So as you can imagine, this is extremely difficult for Mike and his family.’

Residents and officers formed a guard of honor for Hunter as he was carried by Officer D’Aresta to be put down. 

In the caption for the photo on the Middletown Police Department – Connecticut Facebook page they wrote: ‘Hunter and Officer D’Aresta have been such a huge part of our department the past ten years’

Having served the county since 2007, police said Hunter had been part of an ‘exceptional team serving the City of Middletown in a high caliber’ for the duration of his career. 

In the caption for the photo on the Middletown Police Department – Connecticut Facebook page they wrote: ‘Hunter and Officer D’Aresta have been such a huge part of our department the past ten years. 

‘Such a dedicated K-9 team. It will never be the same. 

‘Rest in Peace Hunter you’ve done well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Michael D’Aresta and his family.’