The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Community mourns death of K-9 officer
Condolences pour in on Facebook for dog after he unexpectedly dies
The unexpected death of Perry Village Police Department K-9 Zack is drawing an outpouring of sympathy, gratitude and prayers on Facebook.
Zack, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, died on the afternoon of Oct. 31 after exercising with his partner, village Police Lt. Michael Collins.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Perry Village Police Department has to announce the passing of our new K-9, Zack,” a post on the Perry Village Ohio Facebook page stated.
Zack, who joined the village Police Department in June 2017, and Collins had gone to Lee Lydic
Lydic Park in the village at about 4 p.m. prior to a scheduled visit to a day care center, Police Chief Troy Hager said.
To help Zack release some pent-up energy before his guest appearance, Collins had taken him to the park and was tossing a tennis ball, which Zach would run after and retrieve, Hager said.
After retrieving the tennis ball for about the fifth or sixth time, Zack laid down, Hager said.
Moments after he was loaded into a police vehicle, he became unresponsive, the Perry Village Ohio Facebook post stated. He then was rushed to North Ridge Veterinary Hospital in Madison Township, where he was pronounced dead.
News of Zack’s death was posted at about 6 p.m. Oct. 31, and by 2:30 Nov. 1, nearly 800 visitors had left comments paying tribute to the K-9 and offering condolences to Collins.
“Lt. Collins is aware of the outpouring on Facebook and would like to thank everyone for their support,” Hager said on the morning of Nov. 1.
The original post announcing Zack’s passing also was shared on the Perry Ohio Community Facebook page, drawing another 17 comments as of 2:30 p.m. Nov. 1.
“I am Truly Sorry for Your Loss Lieutenant Collins. I Enjoyed Meeting Zack. My Thoughts are With You. R.I.P Zack,” Donnie Battista wrote.
“So sad and so sorry. What a beautiful baby,” Shelly Kramp wrote.
Zack’s passing marked the end of his nearly 1 ½ years of service to the Perry Village Police Department. He began patrolling with Collins starting in June 2017.
In addition to working daily shifts with the lieutenant, Zack assisted on calls with other area police departments, and appeared at many community events.
“Zack was awesome at community relations,” Hager said. “He was a bright spot at any community event he attended.”
Perry community members offered not only affection, but also financial support for the canine throughout his time on the village Police Department.
The initial $5,000 cost to purchase Zack was provided by a donor who wished to remain anonymous, Hager said. Over the past few months, Perry Amvets Post 1971 also made separate donations of $300 and $400 toward his care, while the Perry Dairy Queen contributed $1,200, Perry Village Council records show.
In the wake of his death, Hager said the K-9’s body has been transported to Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for a necropsy — the animal version of an autopsy. Hager said it’s anticipated that preliminary information will be available in a couple of days, but it might take as long as 30 days before the final report is received.
Plans also are being discussed to hold a memorial service for Zack and to purchase a memorial plaque that would be placed on the property of Village Hall on Center Street, Hager said.