Nitro

Sometimes when I go running, I pass by the police dogs' office under the Cambie Street bridge. I admire these courageous dogs who protect all of us other dogs from crimes. Without them, the beaches and dog parks would be full of bone-stealing beagles and crackhead collies. The other day, a police dog named Nitro died in the line of duty. The entire city is mourning him, as it is not every day that such an acclaimed officer is lost on the job. My heart goes out to the other dogs in the police department, who will miss their fellow officer, but even more to Nitro's people partner Constable Howard Rutter.

“An overwhelming bond develops when the handler and the dog spend all their time together and rely on each other in very dangerous and risky work situations,” said Inspector Dean Robinson, in charge of the Emergency Response Team and the Dog Squad. “Cst. Rutter is devastated.”