Beloved Middletown K-9 Euthanized

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown Police Department is mourning the loss of beloved K-9 Hunter, who was euthanized on Friday. Hunter was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of liver cancer, according to police.

“Officer Michael D'Aresta unfortunately has to make the toughest decision any K9 handler dreads making this evening at Pieper Olson in Middletown at 1830 hours,” Sgt. Doug Clark, Middletown K-9 supervisor, wrote in a post on Facebook on Friday. “K9 Hunter has been ill for that past several days and when tests were conducted they revealed that K9 Hunter has a very aggressive form of Liver cancer. They unfortunately recommended that he be euthanized.

“Officer D'Aresta and Hunter have been an exceptional team serving the City of Middletown in a high caliber since 2007. So as you can imagine, this is extremely difficult for Mike and his family.”

Hunter and Officer D'Aresta were partners in the department for the past 10 years.

“Hunter and Officer D'Aresta have been such a huge part of our department the past 10 years,” Clark wrote. “Such a dedicated K-9 team. It will never be the same. Rest in Peace Hunter you've done well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Michael D'Aresta and his family.”

Photos via the Middletown Police Department