In Remembrance of Dirk the Police Dog

Dirk is a very special part of not just my family but hundreds of people around New Zealand,

Dirk was raised by my brother until he was trained enough to become operational, he is a very special dog with skills and a personality unseen from others..

As my brother/dirks puppy father said “ he was loved by the good and absolutely hated from the bad”

I am also son of dirks best friend and partner Mike Warren.

https://www.facebook.com/EasternDistrictPoliceNZ/videos/1170905686394973/

It is with deep sadness that I advise Police Dog ‘Dirk’ was laid to rest on Friday, 15 March.

Dirk was unable to make any improvement over the last eight months while convalescing, after undergoing serious spinal surgery to remove a tumour from his spine in July 2018.

Dirk had a number of major setbacks with infections and other related spinal issues.

His quality of life was such that he was totally reliant on his carers for support.

This decision was not made lightly and was made for Dirk’s well-being.

Thank you to everyone who was involved with Dirk’s care and all the well-wishers who followed Dirk’s fight to recover. This included the amazing team at Massey University, Veterinary Surgeon/ Police liaison Vicky Ersheig, Simone Botterill, Kennel Services, Trentham Dog Training Centre and the Hawke’s Bay Dog Section.

Dirk is a huge loss to the New Zealand Police and the Hawke’s Bay Police Dog Section.

He was an exceptional police dog and was struck down too soon.

He touched many hearts with his awesome nature and loved his cuddles and ear rubs with whoever made a fuss of him.

R.I.P. my mate.

- Senior Constable Mike WARREN.