K9 Down

K9 Grunt
Refugio County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, September 1, 2018
Breed Bluetick Coonhound mix
Gender Female
Age 8

K9 Nell
Refugio County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, September 1, 2018
Breed Bluetick Coonhound mix
Gender Female
Age 3

K9 Nell and K9 Grunt were strangled to death by a suspect they were tracking while assisting the Aransas County Sheriff's Office and other state and federal agencies.

Officers in Aransas County had been involved in a pursuit in which 16 illegal aliens bailed out of a vehicle and fled into the brush along Route 35 north of Holiday Beach, Texas. Members of the Aransas County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and United States Border Patrol were searching for the suspects and requested assistance from Refugio County's tracking team.

Nell and Grunt, who were trained to track critically missing persons with dementia, were let off leash as deputies followed them on horseback. The non-aggressive dogs tracked one subject into some brush but did not come out. As deputies called for the man to surrender he taunted them in Spanish. Deputies entered the brush and took him into custody. The bodies of Nell and Grunt were found with their tracking collars twisted tightly around their necks.

Both dogs were a mix of black and tan coonhound, bluetick coonhound, and redtick coonhound.

Rest in Peace Nell and Grunt…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy