Police dog dies in training mishap

Windsor Police are mourning the loss of one of their own, after a police service dog died after a training exercise Monday.

Vahlter was a 2½-year-old Belgian Malinois.

He was hurt during a training exercise about 10:30 p.m., after he ran into a gatepost and sustained internal injuries, said Sgt. Brett Corey of Windsor Police.

Vahlter's handler, Const. Paul Brothers, noticed the dog was in pain and took him to the Walker Road Animal Hospital.

"They kept him over night and were just administering some pain medication. They thought that he would be okay," said Corey. "It turns out he suffered some pretty severe internal injuries."  Vahlter died Tuesday morning about ten o'clock.

Vahlter had only been on the police force for 13 months. He lived with Brothers along with another retired police service dog.

"You have to remember, these dogs are not only their partners at work but they're also their pets after they go off duty," said Corey.

"Paul's got a family and his kids are also attached to the dog. It's not only part of the police family, but part of his family."

Corey said he did not know how long it will take to replace Vahlter, but estimated it would cost approximately $20,000.

The Windsor police canine unit has four remaining canine officers.

Windsor Police plan to hang a plaque at their police dog training facility in memory of Vahlter.