Obituaries
Redondo Police Dog Dies After Cancer Diagnosis
"Boss was loved by everyone around him and will be sorely missed by Officer Carlborg and his family," RBPD said.
REDONDO BEACH, CA — The Redondo Beach Police Department announced Wednesday that police dog Boss, who recently retired after he was diagnosed with cancer, has died.
"It is with deep regret that the Redondo Beach Police Department announces the passing of canine Boss, the partner and companion of Officer Robert Carlborg. After a sudden onset and diagnosis of spinal cancer, Boss lost his battle with cancer today and was 2.5 years old when he passed."
Boss, a Belgian Malinois, came to the states from Holland where he was raised by a Dutch trainer to become a Redondo Beach police dog. A bond was formed between Boss and Officer Carlborg, and the two became "inseparable partners," police said.
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"During his short career with the Redondo Beach Police Department, Boss made a long-lasting impact on the officers, community, and the Redondo Beach K9 team. Boss' unique disposition made him a favorite amongst the community and it was a life cut too short," Redondo Beach police said. "Boss was loved by everyone around him and will be sorely missed by Officer Carlborg and his family."
Boss joined the police department in March 2018 and was partnered with Officer Robert Carlborg. Boss was deployed as a patrol canine and was cross-trained in narcotics detection, the press release said.
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View this post on Instagram#Repost @redondobeachk9team with @download_repost ・・・ “All dogs go to heaven”. That’s the only thought that ran through our minds this morning. This week Boss took a turn. The pain medicine was no longer enough and the spreading cancer began to impact his hind legs. Boss couldn’t sleep through the night anymore. K9 Boss and his Dad took a walk to the Rainbow Bridge this morning, and every step of the way with a reassurance that K9 Boss would live the rest of his life pain free. The thing is, we know it’s not really the end. Boss is more than his little fur torpedo body. We know Boss will be living in paradise with bad guys to chase and bones to chew for eternity. And you bet your tail he will be whining with uncontrollable excitement someday down the road when we meet him again. To the all the people who reached out and supported us, your love and prayers and stories of your best friends is really what kept us going. It’s what reminded us that although today feels like the worst day, life goes on and we will make a legacy out of K9 Boss’s example. I know every handler has that moment when they think about the fact that the journey will always end someday. To have it happen so soon breaks our hearts. But we will heal and we will rise again and know that Boss is watching from up there with a wagging tail and a massive grin #love #thankyou #RIP #RIPK9Boss #AllDogsGoToHeaven
A post shared by Redondo Beach PD (@redondobeachpd) on Jul 11, 2019 at 2:50pm PDT
Boss was injured during a training exercise in November 2018 and was taken to the veterinarian for treatment. During this visit, doctors discovered some abnormalities and Boss was taken in for further follow-ups. Doctors found Boss has muscle atrophy stemming from spinal cancer, the press release said.
"Due to his medical condition, Boss will no longer be able to perform his duties as a Canine for the Redondo Beach Police Department. Boss retired on July 2, and will go home to live out his remaining years with Officer Carlborg," the City of Redondo Beach said.
Boss located 31 criminals during his tenure as a police canine, officials said. He also found heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine while used for narcotics detection.
No memorial service is planned for Boss at this time, RBPD said. To donate to the Redondo Beach Police Department Canine program, visit the Redondo Beach Police Foundation website or the Redondo Beach Police Instagram page.
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