Police mourn loss of fallen K-9 Officer Canon

As Ridgeland Police Department mourned one of their officers Wednesday, there was some comfort in the thought that all dogs go to heaven.

Canon, a K-9 officer, died unexpectedly from a tumor on Oct. 12. He was 9 years old.

Veteran officers choked up as they memorialized the working dog with the giant heart, and his funeral was attended by family, friends, fellow officers and community members, all of whom remained to celebrate his life after the service by doing something he would have approved of — eating cake.

Chief John Neal spoke of how important Canon had been to the department. He was an officer, even if he had four feet and a fur coat. And at any time, he could have made the ultimate sacrifice for his community, because dogs are sent into situations human officers can't safely enter.

"K-9 Canon was one of the very best dogs I've ever worked with," said veteran K-9 trainer, Pearl Detective Chris Picou. "But if you were a bad guy, watch out."

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Most Belgian Malinois are too high-strung to stay inside the house, and many of them don't have a temperament suitable for being handled by children, but in addition to being a serious law enforcement officer, Canon was also the kind of dog who liked to cuddle and love.He spent many football games in the lap of his handler, partner and best friend, Officer Ray Daniels. He was also a key asset in forming relationships with the community, especially the children.

A table full of cards and pictures the children who loved their dog officer drew for Daniels and the department sat in the room where Canon's reception was held.

Daniels talked about how he and Canon spent every hour of every day together.

"I had his back and he had mine," he said. "He was my right hand man."

Contact Therese Apel at tapel@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.