Friday, March 15, 2013

Ape

Not too far from where I live, tragedy struck Wednesday morning. Six people were shot while out doing everyday errands at a car wash and barbershop, by a man who went on a shooting spree in Herkimer, NY.  Four were pronounced dead.  As Wednesday evening settled in, the shooter had hidden himself inside a vacant building and the FBI had him surrounded.  Early on Thursday morning, news came that the shooter (I prefer not to call him by name) had been killed, but not before something else tragic happened.  Ape, the K9 there on duty that morning, serving his people and doing exactly what he had been trained to do, was fatally shot and killed by the shooter when he was sent inside the building.  Ape had only been on active duty since the end of February and was two years old.  Of course I have questions...Was he wearing a vest?  Why couldn't gas have been thrown in instead of this precious dog?  Right now I am trying to keep the "what ifs" at bay, and just focus on how grateful I am for dogs like Ape.  RIP, Ape.  You make us proud.


31 comments:

  1. We read dat in da news bouts Ape and it is heartbreakin' anudder K9 has to be buried...but a hero he was.
    We is always left withs questions when we hear things like dis.

    Puddles

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  2. We heard about this on the News last night.. we were very sorry fur everyone. We did NOT realize it was so close to where you live.
    We just do not know what is going on with all of these crazy people.
    The Rainbow Bridge now has One more Hero.

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear that!!! He is indeed a hero!!!

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  4. A perfect example of how canines are invaluable companions!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley
    Online Doods

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  5. We give Ape a big Old Aroooooooo for being such a hero, and we sure will visit him we we go to the Bridge, bet all of them there now are given him a big PAWTY! Thank You Ape!!!!

    Your Pals
    Susie & Bites

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  6. We're with Susie and Bites....AArrroooooooo for Ape, what a hero.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy

    We like not naming people who do horrendous things....don't make them famous.

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  7. We heard this horrible story on the news downstate. I am so appreciative of dogs like Ape. Such a tragedy.

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  8. Mom saw the news about Ape in our paper. So sad, but he was a real hero. But so young.

    Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  9. We saw the very sad news -

    A Harrisburg PA area K9 was shot today - his human officers killed the suspect but before they did, he shot the K9 -

    Life Lion came in and flew him to Philadelphia treatment -

    I haven't seen an update yet -

    Paws khrossed for all associated with both incidents -

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  10. I agree with Murray that something else could have been used. Seems wrong to send a dog to certain death, into a building with a shooter. But maybe we are wrong about that. Just don't know, but my heart breaks everytime I see one of these things happen.

    Jo and Stella

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  11. That is terrible. Poor Ape, such a short career. Also questions...a vest or gas or some other option to try first. RIP APE. We are sure you will have lots of friends over the bridge.
    Ernie and the furkids

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  12. RIP, beautiful Ape! Now you'll be guarding the gates of Heaven.

    News like this always makes us very nervous as well. Our son in Michigan is a K-9 handler and officer. His partner is "Chase" a beautiful German Shepherd who is very loving and protective of his family but as a K-9 police officer, he has captured many of the "bad guys" and has received many citations for his bravery.

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  13. A sad story all the way around. RIP Ape, you died a Hero.

    Wyatt

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  14. Haven't seen this latest shooting on the news here. Sad, for the dog and everyone else involved. Take care x

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  15. Howdy Murray, good to meet ya mate. We're sorry about your amazing Police Dog, Ape. We heard the news of the shooting here in Oz but not about poor Ape as well. I bet his Police partner was devastated. We're glad you didn't mention names too. They don't deserve any recognition. Such a sad time. Thanks for dropping by. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  16. Just terribly sad for all. RIP Ape we wish you a speedy journey over to the rainbow bridge where you can run free. You are a hero!
    Best wishes Molly

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  17. What a horrible tragedy for the people and for Ape. We hope there is a special place at the Rainbow Bridge for animals who die in the line of duty. Lee and Phod

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  18. Poor Ape, I don't think it takes a genius to work out that some maniac with a gun is going to kill a dog sent in to get him.
    Rest in peace beautiful boy, what a tragic story.
    Lynne x

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  19. I'm so sad, poor Ape. Humans are weird with her shooting sticks ...

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  20. Oh, I heard this on the news, and just broke my heart.
    Ape was a true hero indeed.
    Kisses,
    Ruby

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  21. Expressing sorrow for all those who lost their life in this tragedy including Ape.

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  22. Thank you for sharing the news of this hero. He did his job to protect his people and all those around him.

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  24. That is just so tragic, our hearts and prayers go out to all the families. And Ape is a true hero and we are sure he will never be forgotten. xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  25. Ape is a hero to us all. Humans can be so so so sick.

    Nora

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  26. Hi Y'all,

    Just stopped to meet y'all and follow.

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  27. Poor Ape. What a brave doggie at only two years old. May he rest in peace.
    Oz

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  28. You have to wonder what his handler was thinking sending him in to face an armed lunatic.

    I hadn't heard of this tragedy. Another sad day. My condolences to the families/friends involved.

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  29. Hi Y'all!

    Stop and visit me tomorrow! I have an Award for you!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  30. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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