Talk about irony! The picture of Max with the contraption to let him walk is wild...
****************************** http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/01/27/2009-01-27_drugdetecting_police_dog_dies_of_nose_ca.html Drug-detecting police dog dies of nose cancer from sniffing out cocaine BY LAUREN JOHNSTON DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Tuesday, January 27th 2009, 1:38 PM Court/AP Police drug sniffer dog Max, English Springer spaniel , has died of nose cancer. He knew the perils of police work, but kept on sniffing until the end. Max, a drug-detecting dog in England, has died of a rare form of nose cancer which likely developed during his years sniffing out cocaine in the line of duty, his owner said. "It is ironic the wonderful organ that made him successful in his work has been his demise, owner Police Inspector Anne Higgins told the British newspaper the Telegraph. He was a fighter until the end and always very dignified, she said. The nine-year-old Springer spaniel was put down last week after an aggressive tumor developed in his nose, Higgins said. Max had retired for work as a dug-sniffer last year after arthritis in his back legs limited his mobility. He was fitted with a wheeled contraption so he could continue to move on his own. Maxs veterinarian Kate Fairclaugh said death from nasal cancer is rare in dogs and that his police work likely contributed to the illness. "Sniffing drugs may well have been a factor. I certainly cannot rule it out, she said. Higgins said it was difficult to let Max go, but she will focus on his legacy of good deeds. "He has had a good life and a successful one as a police dog. Just think of all the bad people he managed to put away," she said.
