Plymouth Police Dog Laid to Rest

One of the Plymouth Police Department's K9's was buried Friday after a short battle with kidney disease.

Kaiser, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, was euthanized earlier this week, according to Kaiser's handler and Plymouth Police officer, James LeBretton. He was buried at Angel View Pet Cemetery in Middleborough Friday afternoon, and the public was invited to say goodbye to him at Court Street Veterarian prior to the burial.

LeBretton made the announcement on the Plymouth Police Working Dog Foundation's Facebook page.

It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the retirement of my partner K-9 Kaiser. Kaiser was recently diagnosed with severe kidney disease/failure leaving his health to decline rapidly. Kaiser battled this disease with vigor and toughness like I have never seen before. Although, as of late, the disease has taken the upper hand forcing him out of his craft and ultimately out of this world. Kaiser taught me more about myself and my profession than I could have ever taught him. I feel privileged to have had a front row seat to witness his bravery and heroic actions while serving the people of Plymouth and my brothers and sisters in blue. Although his career was short lived, he made a huge impact that will never be forgotten. Kaiser loved being a Police Dog and I will miss him dearly. Out of love and respect for Kaiser, and with the input from our excellent vet, trainer, and family, I have made the heart wrenching decision to end Kaiser's suffering.

In March of 2011, the Stove family offered to donate their 5-month-old puppy to the Plymouth Police Department. The trio of officers who went to see the puppy were amused by the puppy who was "more concerned with standing his ground and protecting their beautiful 2 children then allowing us 3 dumbies to greet him."

Kaiser began training with Officer LeBretton in September 2011 and the pair graduated from K9 Patrol Academy together. Kaiser was for criminal pursuit and apprehension, crowd control and disbursement, open area/Building searches and search for evidence/ article recovery. He was one of three K9s in the Plymouth Police Department with the recent addition of K9 Cain. The third dog, Shirley, is the department's first K9 in the current police dog program.

Plymouth residents and police officers paid their respects to Kaiser and the LeBretton family on Facebook this week:

Chip DeBlois wrote "I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My best friend is a K9 officer on the cape and my heart goes out to you, your brother officers, and your family. I just want to leave you with a little prayer from you partner. Take care"

He also offered a prayer:

Don’t grieve for me I served you well.
I loved you more than you could ever tell.
I am now an angel in blue.
I laid my life on the line for you.
I wore my badge with honor every day,
to keep citizens safe and out of harms way.
so when you see a badge worn with pride,
remember their comrades and friends that have died

Elaine Spink wrote, "I'm so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. My husband and I will keep you in your prayers."

Ed Noftle "So sorry Jamie [Officer LeBretton], toughest decision in the world. Take comfort in the time you had together and knowing you did all you could for Kaiser, as well as making his transition to a better place comfortable. 'til you two are together again...."