K9 units arrive at funeral to honor late 8-year-old Emma, known as the “girl who loves dogs”
When Emma Mertens was diagnosed with cancer at age seven her family and friends tried to cheer her up by sending her letters with pictures of dogs due to her love of them. She quickly became known as the girl who loves dogs, prompting a visit from K9 units from around her home state. Unfortunately, Emma has passed away. In response to her passing away, 20 different K9 units showed up for her funeral.
The girl who loved dogs
Battling an inoperable type brain tumor called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Emma had quickly become known as the “girl who loves dogs” top supporters around the world. She had received more than 75,000 well wishes from those supporters, many including pictures of their dogs.
She used her popularity to help raise funds for the fight against DIPG. An early GoFundMe campaign her family started raised over $125,000 towards that purpose.
Emma had an inoperable brain tumor
While Emma was otherwise perfectly healthy, she had started complaining of a headache. Upon taking her to the doctor, and after multiple surgeries, she was discovered to have DIPG. Undergoing countless radiation treatments, Emma, her family, and her doctors did all they could to treat her cancer. Sadly, she passed away while in her mother’s arms, just one more victim of childhood cancer.
Her funeral was attended by 20 K9 units
Her funeral was held on the following Saturday. The attendees were asked to wear blue or Team Emma shirts per the request of the family. In addition to friends and family, at least 20 different K9 units showed up to pay their respects. Also, the K9 units escorted the family back home.
Her family responds to the love and support of area police departments
The family posted about the honor on the Team Emma Facebook page:
“At the end of Emma’s service, at least 20 different Police K-9 units from all over the state escorted our family home.
We were nervous to accept such an honor since we are technically not a police family and did not want to offend anyone who was, but these officers insisted. They made Emma an honorary member of their K9 Association back in August.
These men and women gave up most of their day off (Saturday) to be there for us and ensure that we got home safely.
It was an overwhelming honor. A very touching, quiet ride home that Emma would have loved.
To all the Police K9 Handlers and their K9s, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
You are all #TeamEmma”
How you can help keep Emma’s legacy alive
The family also started the Emma Loves Dogs Foundation to honor Emma following her death and to keep her dream of helping animals alive. The organization does this by providing financial assistance to organizations and individuals that help animals, including police K9 units, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations, and others.
Here is a video with more on Emma’s impact on the community and her legacy as a dog lover.
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