Former Watonga K9 Mate Dies

WATONGA – Former Watonga narcotics detection dog Mate died last week just months after his retirement from active duty. He was about 9 years old.

Mate has been handled by now-Blaine County Sheriff Travis Daugherty and, most recently, former Watonga Police Chief Shawn Kays. The Watonga Police Department held a retirement celebration for Mate at the Roman Nose General Store in May.

Daugherty recently learned that Mate was slated to go to a rescue organization. Hoping to find him a good home, Daugherty placed the dog with one of his deputies for the time being.

But Mate seemed unwell, so the deputy brought him to the veterinarian. That’s when they learned the bad news: Mate had a softball-sized mass in his stomach, believed to be cancerous.

Between the mass and problems with Mate’s ears, hips and anus, the vet said the German Shepherd was in a lot of pain. He recommended Mate be put down.

Daugherty said Mate’s ashes will be sent to him in an urn. He remembers Mate as a good dog who was good at his job.

“He was a great narcotics dog,” Daugherty said. “He was a good boy.”