K-9 dog dies for love of partner

Anyone who says the love of a pet is not real needs to read this article. CAUTION: Tears will follow if you have a heart! It makes me think twice about what I’m going to do with Molly when I go on vacation next month.

“K-9 dog dies for love of partner
By BILL TEETER
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

GRAPEVINE — Darby, a Grapevine police dog, died Thursday morning because he could not stand to be away from his handler.

The 8-year-old German shepherd escaped from a Corinth boarding kennel and veterinary clinic and ran to the home of his handler, officer Brian Hintz, Grapevine police Sgt. Bob Murphy said.

Hintz dropped off the sable-colored dog at the boarding kennel because he was going out of town for a few days, Murphy said.

When Hintz found Darby at his Corinth-area residence, the dog was in physical distress. Hintz immediately took Darby back to the veterinary clinic, where he died. The death may be heat-related, Murphy said.

The dog will be examined by another veterinarian to determine the cause of death, Murphy said.

Hintz had been Darby’s handler since the department got the dog in 2001, Murphy said.

“This incident was devastating to him,” Murphy said, referring to Hintz.

Darby was trained for narcotics, patrol, tracking and attack work, and had an outstanding career, he said.

The department is planning a memorial service, but details are not final.”