Retired K9 Lana, a dual-purpose patrol canine who served with the Piketon Police Department in Piketon, Ohio, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 6, according to an announcement from Pike Pet Pals.
Lana, a German Shepherd also known as Lana Addie, joined the department in November 2016 as a 16-month-old dog born in June 2015 and imported from Germany. She was trained in narcotics detection, missing person tracking, criminal apprehension, article search, officer protection, and building searches. Her initial handler was Sgt. Chris Mosley. Local businesses and individuals funded her purchase and training through community donations.
During her career she completed multiple large drug busts and earned recognition for her tracking abilities. She worked successfully with several handlers and was later retrained for Officer Spriggs, her final handler, who had long wanted to serve as a K9 officer. Lana bonded closely with him and became part of his family.
Arthritis and hip pain led to her retirement. Medications and therapies were tried, but her discomfort increased. In retirement she lived with the family and helped care for twin sisters in the household.
On the morning of her death she appeared sick. The family scheduled a veterinary appointment, placed her outside to rest in her favorite spot, and later found she had passed while waiting for her handler to return home from work.
Pike Pet Pals and the family thanked supporters who helped Lana over the years. She provided loyal service to the department and community and will be remembered for her dedication.
