Felix with Scituate Officer Brian McLaughlin.
Scituate police seeking new K-9
Felix with Scituate Officer Brian McLaughlin.
Scituate police are looking to raise funds for a new police dog, after the department’s 6-year-old German shepherd, Felix, had to be put down in August.
Although the town has a budget for a police dog, that money does not include the cost of purchasing a new one, training it, and buying some equipment that a new dog would need.
“We have to fund-raise a certain amount of money to keep the program up and running to purchase the dog, necessary equipment, vet expenses initially. It’s not costly, just more than the yearly cost we have once we have the dog,’’ said Officer Brian McLaughlin, the K-9 officer for the town and Felix’s caretaker.
Police hope to raise $7,000 to $9,000 for a new dog, which would come from the Czech Republic and be purchased from Connecticut Canine Services. Although Felix came from a breeder in New York, McLaughlin said that company has dissolved, and many agencies have used Connecticut Canine successfully.
Police are using dogs from nearby communities for now.
After the dog is purchased, the department will continue fund-raising for the four-legged officer. McLaughlin said the town provides a budget, but there can be unforeseen expenses.
The department is moving on with a new dog, but Felix will not be forgotten. McLaughlin remembered his former partner, saying that near the end, when Felix’s body was riddled with cancer, the vet expressed surprise that he could even breathe.
“We had to treat him with honor and integrity and sent him out full honors,’’ he said.
The Scituate Police Department will host a small memorial for Felix as well as dedicate a plaque to him at the Police Station in coming weeks. Residents can check www.scituatepolice.org or the Scituate Police K-9 Facebook page for information.
Jessica Bartlett can be reached at jessica.may.bartlett@gmail.com. 
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