Former Collier Sheriff’s K-9 dies

NAPLES, Fla. A retired Collier County Sheriff’s Office dog died Monday after eight years of duty.

Deputies in the K-9 unit gathered for a final send-off hours before the 12-year-old chocolate lab named Dewey, who suffered from worsening breathing problems in his final years, was put down.

The dog served eight years in the Vice Narcotics Drug Interdiction Unit.

“That’s what we do in K-9 is support each other because it’s so tough,” said Cpl. Daniel Muhlhahn, Dewey’s handler. “You spend more time with your dog than you do with your family.”

He began working when he was 2 years old, assisting in federal, state and local cases. He also regularly assisted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and examined parcels from two major carriers, the sheriff’s office said.

He spent the last three years in retirement at home with his handler and “stepbrother” K-9 George, who is still on active duty.

“It was a great pleasure to work with my best friend,” Muhlhahn said. “Godspeed, Dewey.”