It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that Officer John Zalalick’s retired K9 Axel had to euthanize today. He was taken to the vet due to a distended stomach and came to find out through X-Rays, that he was suffering from multiple tumors on his kidney and liver, something ruptured and he was bleeding internally. No operation could fix him and was euthanized at 4:30 PM this afternoon. K9 Axel had a great 8 yr. career at East Hartford Police Department from May 25th, 2007 until he retired after his last parade march on St. Patricks Day, March 17th, 2015. After retiring from police work, he became the family pet. He was surrounded by his entire family at the time of his demise. Due to his many K9 Demo’s and visits throughout the Police Department, he will be sorely missed by the many friends he made along the way. Thank you for everything you and CPWDA have done for me along the way of this incredible K9 journey of mine. I couldn’t have asked for a better career choice. Take care and god speed.
Sincerely,
John M. Zavalick, (Retired K9 Handler)
K9 Raven (Retired)
K9 Axel (Retired)
Officer Zavalick has been a long time member of the CPWDA joining on 8/3/02 and K9 Axel joined on 9/8/07 until he retired in 2015. John became a lifetime member on 1/4/14. The CPWDA sends it thoughts and prayers to the Zavalick family, East Hartford P.D. and friends during this difficult time. RIP Axel and we thank you for your service.