Glastonbury Mourning The Passing Of Trail-Blazing And Decorated Police Dog

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury's decorated, trail-blazing and popular retired police police dog Soleil has died.

Law enforcement officials confirmed Soleil's passing Wednesday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Cavanaugh and his family as they mourn this loss," police said.

Soleil was medically retired on June 30, following six years of service with the Glastonbury Police Department. She was the first dog to serve with the department since the early 1970s.

She had been diagnosed with a serious illness.

Soleil and handler, Officer Neal Cavanaugh, had been on the job together since March 2019.

"Soleil enjoyed the down time of retirement with lots of rest, love and treats," Cavanaugh said. "Though her body grew tired, her spirit never dimmed. She remaind courageous until the end."

Said the police dog advocacy group Blue Line Jars:

"We’ve had the privilege of watching this remarkable dog’s entire career. She was an exceptionally talented canine, and her spirit was just as gentle. Degenerative myelopathy may have taken its toll, but Soleil's legacy will never fade. We will forever cherish her memory.

"There are too many unforgettable moments to recall. We will always love you. We are sending our love to the entire Cavanaugh family."

The Connecticut Canine Olympics also issued a statement:

"The Connecticut K9 Olympics community sends our deepest condolences to Officer Neal Cavanaugh, the Cavanaugh family, and the entire Glastonbury Police Department on the loss of K9 Soleil. Thank you for your service, your loyalty, and the impact you made both on duty and in the hearts of those who knew you. Run free, Soleil."

In a heartfelt announcement at the time of her retirement, Wednesday, Cavanaugh said Soleil had been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy, which is essentially canine ALS.

Here is the text of Cavanaugh's announcement:

"I always knew this day would come, but I never expected it to come so soon.

"She’s been more than a working dog, she’s been my partner, my shadow, protector and one of the best parts of every day. Soleil has been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy and will be retiring from active duty on July 1, 2025.

"Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a slow and heartbreaking disease, similar to ALS in humans, affecting the spinal cord leading to muscle weakness, loss of coordination in the hind limbs, and eventually respiratory failure. There is no cure. Life expectancy after diagnosis varies but is typically several months to a year.Soleil is supported by an outstanding care team: Deb and her team at Wizard of Paws, Dr. Cohen from the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Haviar at Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital.

"Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication have made all the difference, and I am endlessly grateful for everything they are doing to help Soleil.Soleil will soon begin a well-deserved retirement at home, with her family. Her days will be filled with sunshine, soft beds, toys and all the love and support we can give. Her spirit, lessons, love and great accomplishments will remain a part of me and this community forever.Since getting Soleil in 2019, she has taught me more than I could ever explain.

"Every shift we shared has been a gift. Although our time is cut short her impact on this community and the surrounding communities will never be forgotten.As I say goodbye to this incredible chapter with Soleil, I know Soleil’s legacy will live on in everything I do and in every step that follows.To our amazing community: Thank you for your constant support of K9 Soleil over the years. It’s been an honor to walk this path together."

The pair was a decorated team and Cavanaugh and Soleil had had their share of interesting and high-profile calls.

For example, two summers ago, what started as a welfare check at a local hotel parking lot turned into Soleil locating a stash of drugs. It was 2:40 p.m. on July 20, 2024, and, when approaching a vehicle, Soleil alerted Cavanaugh to the presence of drugs and the occupant, identified as a 44-year-old woman from Glastonbury, was taken into custody.