INVERNESS, Fla. — The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of its 6-year-old deputy K-9, Riggs.
His handler, Deputy Rudy Danner, found Riggs acting lethargic Thursday in his kennel, the agency said in a statement. He was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital, where he was stabilized.
Later, staff at the University of Florida's Small Animal Hospital in Gainesville performed emergency surgery on the dog's abdomen.
"Unfortunately, even the tireless efforts of the staff at the hospital was not enough to save K9 Riggs," the sheriff's office said Sunday. Danner was by Riggs' side when he passed.
Riggs worked about five of his six years as a narcotics, apprehension and tracking dog. In December 2019, the sheriff's office received an $8,000 donation that funded Riggs' purchase earlier in the year.
His favorite way to beat the heat, the sheriff's office said at the time, was enjoying an ice cream treat in between games of fetch.
"K9 Riggs was an invaluable asset to not only our K9 team, but CCSO as a whole," Sheriff Mike Prendergast said in a statement. "Please continue to keep Deputy Danner in your prayers as he works through the loss of his dedicated K9 partner. K9 Deputy Riggs will be greatly missed by all of us."
