Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of retired police dog
The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of its recently retired police service dog, Ziva.
The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Ziva, pictured here with Deputy Gerrod Visel.
Courtesy WCSO
Ziva, a 7-year-old female Belgian Malinios, was retired several weeks ago due to some medical issues. Ziva died Saturday.
The department credits Ziva with many significant drug finds, seizures, firearms and evidence finds, and numerous tracking incidents that led to the arrest of dangerous individuals.
Ziva recently assisted another local agency in locating a suicidal person in a wooded area, who may not have been located without the help of Ziva, according to the department.
Ziva served in the department for five years and became a family member to her handler, Deputy Gerrod Visel.
In a news release, the department remarked that Ziva was an intelligent, energetic, hardworking and devoted police partner.
Police dog handlers throughout Washtenaw County gathered Saturday to honor Ziva and offer support for Deputy Visel.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
mady
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
My deepest sympathies to the Visel family. Ziva, rest in peace, pretty lady. :(
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 6:14 a.m.
RIP Ziva :(.
brian
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
Rest in peace Deputy Dog.
doglover
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:48 p.m.
My deepest condolences. This kind of loss leaves a huge hole in your heart. RIP (or chasing squirrels in doggy heaven).
jusayin
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
What a bummer. Losing a pet - working type or not - is so sad.
shepard145
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:44 p.m.
What a waste to see all that training evaporate with the health of a frail dog. Oh well, go buy another one.
djm12652
Wed, Jan 9, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Way to go shepard145...your compassion for someone's loss, even if "just" a dog is boundless...wonder what your boss would say about job training evaporating with the frail mind of a worker and the "waste" of time involved....
Tesla
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
:(
getyourstorystraightfirst
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.
Thanks for all the assistance you provided to help keep our streets as safe as possible!!
bunnyabbot
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
Dogs are the best people. All dogs go to heaven. Search "Rainbow Bridge Poem" or go to www.rainbowsbridge (dot) com /poem
FrankOZ
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.
RIP Ziva.
Barb
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
That's so sad! 7's not that old. Poor thing. Hope she's in a happier puppy place.
Lola
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
RIP Ziva. Condolences to the Visel family.
LXIX
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
Dog-kinds have been cultured for thousands of years to be the eyes, ears, nose, and right hand security-hunting assistants for human kind. RIP Ziva.
LXIX
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
Unfortunately, the relationship has evolved to such a state that many canines are now able to tell their owners what to do. In a few more years, with the advent of the smart car, the handler might get to ride shotgun - but only if he's been good.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.
She will certainly be missed. I love this picture of her and her man.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
Sorry for your loss, dogs truely are mans best friend.
RJA
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.
This is so sad for the dept. Ziva was family to many, and was great help to the dept.