Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of retired police dog

By Katrease Stafford Ypsilanti Reporter

Posted on Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 11:03 a.m.

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.