Anyone who has ever put down their dog, knows how difficult and sad it can be.
Sgt. Michael Spitaleri was heartbroken, but said he made the decision because his K9, Major, was suffering and in pain.
“I’m hurting far more than I anticipated,” the emotional letter Spitaleri wrote about Major on Friday. The letter was posted on the Clearwater Police Department’s (CPD) Facebook page.
Major had served the city of Clearwater, Fla., for 6 years.
Spitaleri talks about the first day he picked Major up for their training together and how he doubted the dog would be up to the task.
“I honestly didn’t know if you had what it took to be a police dog. Nonetheless, we started K-9 school together in November of 2008. I quickly learned my initial assessment was wrong. You proved yourself to me time and time again,” Spitaleri wrote.
Major helped Spitaleri locate criminals, narcotics, firearms, and more over the years.
“You made me look like a superstar at times; truth be told, I was nothing more than the guy who held your leash,” Spitaleri said.
Spitaleri wrote that he had to retire Major due to medical conditions in 2014, but it was tough for both of them. “You would watch me get ready and run to the door in anticipation of going to work. I know you didn’t understand the reasons I retired you, however I did it because I loved you, buddy.”
Spitaleri wrote one last instruction to Major before signing the letter: “Please go find the nearest police officer when you get to heaven and tell them you are a police dog and you are reporting for duty.”
The full letter is below.
