His name is Memphis, and he will never be forgotten.
On Monday afternoon, 40 people and 11 K-9s gathered at the Red Bank Veterinarian Hospital in Tinton Falls, New Jersey to honor Memphis, a 10-year-old German Shepherd police dog before he was to be euthanized.
Kevin Geoghan, a Hazlet, NJ police officer, his wife Maria and Memphis, Geoghan’s K-9 partner of 8 1/2 years, took a final walk together between a lineup of Hazlet police officers, area K-9 police officers and their partners, mostly German Shepherds, and a lone bagpiper.
About three weeks ago, Memphis was diagnosed with cancer. He just recently stopped working, and was due to retire in May, Geoghan said.
“He almost made it,” he said.
Recently, Memphis was losing weight and having trouble walking, the dog’s veterinarian MaryBeth Morgan said. She ordered an MRI for the dog, but prior to the MRI did an X-ray screening. The screening showed multiple cancer nodules in his lungs.
“This (deciding to euthanize the dog) was an unselfish act, the final act of love,” she said. “Kevin (Geoghan) came to terms with his decision and did not want Memphis’ quality of life to suffer any further.”
“We should do this for our K-9s,” Monmouth County sheriff’s officer James Fay said. He was at the service with his partner, Falko.
Police Chief James Broderick said Memphis was the department’s first and only police K-9. Police dogs usually only work for five years, he said; however, Memphis was a strong dog and continued his career for an additional time.
“He was a worker. He has more than 100 narcotics arrests and numerous criminal arrests,” he said.
A few months ago, Geoghan said he got another German Shepherd because he knew Memphis was due to retire in May.
“Memphis was a bit jealous,” he said. “He knew I was going to work with Diablo.” However, in his heart he knows Memphis could and would never be replaced.
“He was a great dog.”
Everyone I know how he feels, my heart is breaking as I had to make the descion to put my beloved companion to sleep due to cancer as well. I trained her myself to be my service dog. Am disabled and can’t afford to have a specailly trained dog. so trained my dog to help me… R.I.P. Memphis.
Donna Rogers,Freeville,NY
My Dad trained Dogs in the K-9 Corps for the Army, so I know the long hours both man and dog endure. These dogs excel in every way, hand picked as pups, and groomed for work that is too dangerous for Humans, or as an extension for Humans. This makes the loss of one of them, either in the line of duty, or as in Memphis case, severe illness, even more tragic, even more sad. RIP Big Guy, until we meet again.
Cathie mckenzie, Northern Illinois
So sorry for your loss !!!!!
This is sad but understandable to do the right thing for Memphis, He served well now rest is needed , he took to doggie heaven the ones he loved and the ones that stood for him in he last day my he rest in peace and good luck with Diablo
Memphis will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge
What a tribute to Memphis….Sending golden light of love/memories to fill the spaces that his trip to the Rainbow Bridge brings…
Run free sweet boy, you will be missed
run free Memphis. your loved ones will join you one day. watch over them, big guy. rip !!!!
What a moving tribute to this wonderful dog. Rest in peace Memphis your work is now done. Run free big boy.
Memphis your new job is to guard that rainbow bridge until relieved. Play when you can, but keep an eye out for friends and your handler.
What an honorable tribute for Memphis, with his fellow officers, K-9 officers and friends. Also to have a bag piper to honor Memphis! These K-9s are the top of line, exceptional in every way, intelligent, with super strength to endure tasks their human partners could never complete without them! May God Bless Memphis and his family!
From a dog lover…
Rest in peace Memphis. Really sad to read this.