A heroic dog with a terminal illness has been given an emotional send-off at a police department.
Shadow worked as a K9 for the Shreveport Police Department, in Louisiana, US, for nearly eight years, and was a devoted partner to Corporal Andrew Presley.
The good boy had to retire from his role in narcotics and criminal apprehension when he fell ill a few years ago.
He has since been enjoying retirement with his family, but recently his health took a turn for the worst and he wasn't given long to live.
On this special day, his fellow officers lined up to each give Shadow a pat and say their final goodbyes.
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A video shared on the department's Instagram shows Shadow cuddling up closely to each cop's leg, with the happiest smile on his face.
"In his three years of retirement Shadow enjoyed laying in the sun, playing fetch with family, chasing rabbits, rough housing with his sister dog, an Australian shepherd, Harley, and was once sprayed by a skunk," Corporal Presley reminisced.
"Though he didn't care much for baths, he very much wanted the ones that followed the skunk smell."
Towards the end of his life, Shadow was diagnosed with a tumour in his spleen, a condition that is likely cancerous and fatal for dogs.
"In the last several months, as his condition began to deteriorate quicker, Shadow mostly laid on his bed and rested, moving about slowly for feeding times and going out," Corporal Presley said.
On July 12, Shadow "crossed the rainbow bridge" and will be honoured one last time with a private funeral at the cemetery.
The department praised his lifetime of work in a statement: "Thank you, K9 Shadow for your many years of service to the City of Shreveport."
Another dog owner said her final goodbyes to her dying best friend this week with a special video of his last day on earth.
Ellie Buckler, 21, from Blackpool, was determined to make shar-pei Baxter's final 24 hours memorable - and filled it with McDonald's, chocolate and oodles of love.
Her touching TikTok video has gone viral online, with more than 11 million people viewing it and thousands of dog lovers sending her their condolences.
Ellie said: "I'd do anything to have dogs live forever."
How did you spend your final day with your beloved dog? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
