End of the line for K-9 Canto
June 11, 2008 · Updated 12:26 PM
Canto, known for his eight-year career as a patrol dog with the Kitsap County Sheriffs Office, and credited with 460 arrests, was euthanized last week following an illness.
Canto was put to sleep nearly one year after he retired with full honors from the KCSO, once it was determined a painful bacterial infection of unknown origin might never improve.
The German shepherd retired last April and was honored during a formal ceremony at the Kitsap County courthouse.
Though deputies dont know his exact birth date, its assumed he was between 13 and 14 years old.
I was hoping that Canto would be able to enjoy one more summer, as he seemed quite content in retirement, said Deputy Jay Kent, his former handler and partner. His sudden and unexpected passing was a shock.
Canto lived with Kents family after retirement. The police dog was known for faithful dedication to the job.
He even had a gold tooth to prove it a dental crown inserted to replace a tooth that was knocked out after he took a dive off of a building while pursuing a fleeing suspect.
When start of shift rolled around, he knew it was time to go to work...and he was all business, Kent said. He has, literally, saved my life. I probably would not be alive today were it not for Canto.
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