Cancer is a terrible disease that changes the lives of all it touches. It doesn’t matter if you are a human or an animal, a cancer diagnosis can mean the end of life if not caught in time. In one such case, a police K9 with the Florida Highway Patrol was honored after losing his battle with the deadly disease.

K9 Officer Bady loses his battle with cancer

In a heartbreaking photo, his handler, Trooper Sean Laljie is seen lying on the floor next to his partner of seven years, K9 Officer Bady. Laljie was saying his final goodbye to Bady as he lived out his last few moments before being put to sleep after a losing battle with cancer.

A career together

Retiring back in 2019, Bady and Laljie had served together as partners with the Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Interdiction Unit. Laljie had adopted Bady upon his retirement. The purpose of the CIU is to interdict drug couriers and help in the fight against other criminal activities.

The role of drug detection dogs

K9 Bady had served with distinction in his role and had even appeared on news programs to demonstrate his skills as a drug detection dog. Drug detection dogs are specially trained to be able to sniff out drugs and other contraband, especially in vehicles that are used to transport drugs throughout the state of Florida.

K9 Bady served in the unit with many other K9 Officers, all dedicated to the removal of dangerous and illicit substances from roadways across Florida. Bady alone accounted for almost 100 arrests and the seizure of over $700,000 in assets. Most importantly, he was a friend to his handler Laljie.

Partners and friends until the end

“He was always there for Sean, even towards the end,” FHP Sgt. Tony Kingery told WPBF. “He just wanted to please his handler and do as much as he could for the community.”

Bady touched the hearts of many who met him

Euthanized by vets at Gardens Animal Hospital, the K9 touched the lives of many, including the hospital staff.

“He was an incredible dog,” said Brooke Benjamin, office manager at Gardens Animal Hospital. “If you had ever met him, you would love him.”

Honored on his final journey

Bady’s body was transferred from the hospital to his final resting place the day after he was put to sleep.

His body was transported from the hospital with full honors as staff lined the path to honor him as his flag-draped body passed by.

After Bady’s body was placed into the van for transport, the other officers stepped aside to give Laljie a chance to say one final goodbye. His body was then escorted from the hospital by a procession of state troopers and local police officers. May you rest in peace K9 Officer Bady.

For more of K9 Bady’s final day, watch the video below.

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Sources: YouTube – WPBF 25 News, Facebook – K9s United, FLHSMV