State Patrol K-9 dies during emergency surgery

A Washington State Patrol K-9 named Patrick died April 14 while undergoing emergency surgery.

Sgt. Kyle Smith said Patrick suffered a twisting of the small and large intestines, which moved into his chest. The condition is rare, but does happen occasionally in K-9s with large chests.

Patrick had been participating in explosives training when he fell ill.

Trooper Mike Allan served as Patrick’s handler and has worked as a K-9 handler for more than 12 years.

“Patrick was by far the best dog I have partnered with in my entire K-9 handling career,” Allan said. “He will be sadly missed.”

Patrick worked with the State Patrol for seven months through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration. He worked in the state’s ferry system.

“We lost a member of the WSP family who devotedly served the agency,” Chief John Batiste said. “Patrick’s explosive detection work helped keep tens of thousands of Washington residents and travelers safe.”

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 4:08 PM with the headline "State Patrol K-9 dies during emergency surgery."