When we have a dog in our life, it isn’t long before they become a very special part of our family. That is especially true for those who served with their dogs in the most difficult circumstances.

Police dogs play a role in society that is not often given the honor that it deserves. They are trained to work along with the police officers and the discipline they have is off the charts so they can work in scenarios that may be very difficult.

Some of the different things that a canine unit can do include searching for narcotics, search and rescue, arson detection, and even searching for survivors in a disaster event. Listening to what the dog says can make a difference when it comes to an arrest or saving a life.

Unfortunately, there are times when a dog needs to retire and when they reach that age, it can be sad for the entire community. One police department that understands this very well is the Ridgefield Police Department.

In order to honor Zeus, a German Shepherd who had served for nine years with the department, they flew the flag at half-staff. They also draped a black cloth over the entrance to the department. It was an emotional sendoff, similar to what any police officer would receive.

This would also be the last time that Zeus rode in a police car. He was taken to the Ridgefield Veterinary Hospital, where a group of servicemen were waiting as he was wheeled through. One officer even spoke to him before he went inside, saying: “It’s with tears in our eyes that we must say goodbye. He wore the Ridgefield police badge with respect, pride and dignity.”

Zeus had done some incredible things during his time with the department. He joined in 2006 and was involved in over 50 tracks for wanted or missing individuals. He found six people in life-threatening situations and six suspects that had fled the scene of a crime.

Chief John Roche from the department said that it was an honor to be there during his last moments. He said: “The disease that had racked him had deteriorated him to such a point where it was just so difficult for him to exist and continue on.”

Sometimes these things happen for the better and giving the dog its dignity at the end is one way to say how much they meant to you. You can watch the final ride to the veterinary hospital for Zeus in the following video: