Joining the tragedy-filled list of those who have “died suddenly” recently was K-9 Officer Waeylin of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office in West Virginia.
A beloved member of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Waeylin, a 2-year-old bloodhound that has been part of the department since he was younger than one, passed away Sunday from what deputies in the department described as a stomach disorder that caused him to die “suddenly and unexpectedly” after an emergency surgery.
Announcing Officer Waeylin’s death on Facebook, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said:
“It is with deep regret that the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office announces the death of one of our K-9s. Sheriff Mike Fridley released the following information concerning this tragic event:
“Waeylin, a two year-old Bloodhound, died suddenly and unexpectedly late yesterday evening. He experienced a stomach disorder and was rushed to the Vet where he underwent emergency surgery. He survived the surgery, but died shortly afterwards.
“Waeylin has been a member of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit since he was less than one year.”
Continuing, the department went on to highlight Waeylin’s career in glowing terms, saying:
“Whenever the Sheriff’s Office responded to a crime scene where the suspect was unknown and had fled from the area, Waeylin was often called on to respond. He tracked down suspects in arson cases, burglary and many more cases.
“Waeylin was also frequently called upon to track missing persons throughout not only Fayette County but in surrounding counties.
“While most of our K-9s are multi-purpose dogs, trained in narcotics detection and tracking, Waeylin was trained only in tracking. Bloodhounds are bred for tracking and are unsurpassed in their ability to isolate the scent of a particular individual and follow this scent no matter where it may lead.”
And in addition to tracking down suspects and narcotics, Officer Waeylin brought smiles to the face of many a child with his “gentle and friendly disposition” and “huge floppy years”, as the department put it, saying:
“Waeylin was also a great Public Relations Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office. With his big nose, huge floppy ears, drooping jowls and sad eyes, all typical Bloodhound characteristics, and his gentle and friendly disposition, Waeylin was an instant hit any time that the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit performed a demonstration. Young children especially loved Waeylin, as he would sit or lie quietly as they petted and hugged him.”
Corporal Ryan Fox of the department, speaking about Waeylin, said “Waeylin was like part of my family. When we weren’t out working, Waeylin would be playing or just hanging out with me. We were buddies and it was nice to have someone to talk to. He never talked back of course, but I swear he understood everything I said to him.”
Similarly, Sheriff Fridley said “Waeylin’s death is a tragic loss to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Fayette County, but especially to Waeylin’s handler and partner, Corporal Ryan Fox. We are sincerely appreciative of the support shown to our K-9 Unit by the citizens of Fayette County over the past several years. We will all greatly miss Waeylin.”
Featured image credit: Fayette County Sheriff’s Department
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