Died \u2013 7\/22\/24
\nHandler – Master Deputy II Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Natalzia<\/p>\n
Police Officers Salute K9 with Terminal Cancer on Her Final Walkout<\/p>\n
A devoted German shepherd named Candy has been a vital part of the Virginia Beach Sheriff\u2019s Office since 2014, serving as their pioneering narcotics detection dog. Candy\u2019s nearly decade-long service saw her conduct over 2,900 operational searches, leading to the seizure of 278 pounds of illegal narcotics, according to the sheriff\u2019s office. Her remarkable work in the field earned her a special place in the hearts of her colleagues and the community she served, showcasing her dedication, skill, and the indispensable role of K9 officers in law enforcement.Candy shared an extraordinary bond with her handler, Master Deputy II Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Natalzia. From the moment they were paired, the connection between them was undeniable. \u201cShe was my constant companion,\u201d Natalzia shared with McClatchy News. \u201cThese dogs become part of your family; you see them more than anyone else.\u201d Whether they were on duty or off, Candy and Natalzia were inseparable, forming a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.Recently, Natalzia noticed the 11-year-old dog showing signs of slowing down. Candy developed a limp and lost her appetite. Concerned, Natalzia took her to the veterinarian, where the devastating news was revealed: Candy had cancer that had spread throughout her body. \u201cThe cancer was everywhere, including her lungs,\u201d Natalzia said. \u201cThe vet said there was nothing they could do. I was in shock; we had only gone in for a routine checkup.\u201d The news hit Natalzia hard. Candy had been a constant presence in his life, a partner who had stood by him through thick and thin. The thought of losing her was unbearable, yet he knew he had to do what was best for her. \u201cI couldn\u2019t even comprehend it \u2013 we had only gone for a routine visit,\u201d Natalzia reflected, his voice tinged with emotion.As Candy\u2019s terminal cancer progressed, Natalzia faced the painful decision of euthanizing her to prevent further suffering. However, before taking this final step, Candy was given a heartfelt farewell by her police colleagues. Natalzia wanted to ensure that Candy\u2019s last moments were filled with love and respect, reflecting the honor she had brought to her role as a K9 officer.On Monday, the Virginia Beach Correctional Center witnessed a touching ceremonial walkout for Candy. Officers lined the halls, saluting the retiring K9 as she made her final exit from duty. The emotional scene captured the deep affection and respect her colleagues had for her. Many of the officers were visibly moved, tears streaming down their faces as they bid farewell to a cherished member of their team.Carrying her beloved tennis ball, Candy walked through the halls one last time. The sight of her with the tennis ball, something that had brought her so much joy, was a poignant reminder of the happy moments she had shared with her colleagues. After the ceremonial walkout, Natalzia took her to the vet, where she was peacefully euthanized. It was a heartbreaking but necessary decision, one that Natalzia made with a heavy heart, knowing it was the most compassionate choice.Candy was scheduled to retire this year, and Natalzia expressed his sorrow over not being able to spend her retirement years together. \u201cYou think you\u2019re going to have more time with your dog after they retire, so I feel a sense of loss,\u201d he told McClatchy News. \u201cBut as a responsible handler, I couldn\u2019t let her suffer just to keep her with me.\u201d The plans they had made for a peaceful and joyful retirement were cut short, leaving Natalzia with a deep sense of loss and longing.While Natalzia will always cherish his memories with Candy, he now looks forward to working with a new K9 named Pablo. He hopes to forge an equally strong bond and continue the legacy of excellent teamwork. \u201cCandy set the bar high,\u201d Natalzia said. \u201cBut I\u2019m hopeful that Pablo and I will become just as good a team. The bond between a handler and their K9 is something truly special.\u201dThis touching tribute to Candy highlights the profound connections between K9 officers and their handlers, and the impactful roles these dogs play in law enforcement. K9 officers like Candy are not just tools of the trade; they are partners, friends, and family members. Their contributions go beyond the operational successes; they bring a unique spirit and dedication to their work that inspires those around them.The community\u2019s response to Candy\u2019s story has been overwhelmingly supportive. Tributes have poured in from across the region, with many people sharing their own stories of encounters with K9 officers and the positive impact they have had. The Virginia Beach Sheriff\u2019s Office has received numerous messages of condolence and appreciation, highlighting the deep respect and admiration people have for K9 officers like Candy.As Natalzia and Pablo embark on their new journey together, they carry forward the legacy of K9 service that Candy helped to establish. The bond between handler and K9 is one of unwavering loyalty and dedication, and Natalzia is committed to honoring Candy\u2019s memory by continuing to serve with the same passion and commitment. \u201cCandy will always be a part of me,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll make sure her legacy lives on through Pablo and the work we do together.\u201dCandy\u2019s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by K9 officers and their handlers. It\u2019s a story of love, dedication, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human partner. Through the tears and the heartache, Candy\u2019s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her and those who hear her story.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Died \u2013 7\/22\/24 Handler – Master Deputy II Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Natalzia Police Officers Salute K9 with Terminal Cancer on Her Final Walkout A devoted German shepherd named Candy has been a vital part of the Virginia Beach Sheriff\u2019s Office since 2014, serving as their pioneering narcotics detection dog. Candy\u2019s nearly decade-long service saw her conduct …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16465,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-16462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-k9memorial","tag-va"],"yoast_head":"\n