Arco

[bubbatd]

Yesterday we here in Indianapolis lost a very special Police Dog, Arco, in line of duty. He was a beautiful tan, 8 yr.old Belgian Malinois. His handler is in tears. Arco was his partner for 6 years. Please keep Arco and the other special dogs who protect us in your prayers. There will be special memorial services here to honor him. He was doing what he was taught to do and bravely he died saving other lives. RIP

[SandStone_Kennels]

Awww, Arco was a very special boy. I'm sure he loved doing his work. Sorry about that. I'll keep him and the other dogs in my prayers.

[Renee750il]

That's terrible. It's good to know that Arco is being honored as he deserves. Do the dogs that work for the police force there wear protective vests?

We were approached about possibly selling law enforcement some future pups, but Charley and I discussed it and we agree that neither one of us agrees with the idea of putting dogs - or any other animal - in the line of fire to mop up after human screw-ups. Search and rescue and sniffing are great jobs for them, just nothing that might involve being in the line of fire!

[bubbatd]

I know some wear vests....I don't think Arco was as he was being used to find the man .....tracked him to a shed and was shot in the head.

[Renee750il]

That's awful. What kind of monster does something like that? Since Arco was operating as a police officer, his murder should be prosecutable under the same statutes and penalities as those used for killing a human officer . . . Fair is fair, after all.

[BigDog2191]

That's awful. What kind of monster does something like that? Since Arco was operating as a police officer, his murder should be prosecutable under the same statutes and penalities as those used for killing a human officer . . . Fair is fair, after all.

That's true. It would only be fair. He was serving his duty, just like any other human police officer, and was brave enough to go after him when nobody else would.

I'm sorry to hear about this... it's very sad.

[bubbatd]

I'm glad to say that the shooter was killed..... he was firing at the officers before he shot Arco ....they said Arco saved his fellow officers. Acro was rushed in a squad car to the emergency vets, but was pronounced dead. When his parner called him out to be taken home he was in tears and had pinned his own badge to the blanket covering Arco. I'm trying to see how a can donate something towards more vests in honor of Arco from Chip.

[EliNHunter]

Let me rephrase that for Bubba:

When Arco's partner carried him out of the vet's office, dead and covered in a blanket to take him "home", he pinned his badge to poor Arco's blanket and was crying uncontrollably...

[EliNHunter]

Here's a link to the story and a picture of poor Arco...

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=3582171&nav=9Taic1jb

[poeluvr]

poor little arco...have apic of him?

[EliNHunter]

poor little arco...have apic of him?

I posted a link in the post previous to yours...

[Rose's Gal]

That is so sad...."There is no greater love than laying down your life for a friend." Rest in Peace Acro. :(

[bubbatd]

Thanks, EliN....I should proof read !!!!

[bubbatd]

News just said that a memorial fund has been set up at a local bank ( Fifth Third Bank ) in Arco's name to enable getting another dog. Hope my small donation will help.

[Sheba]

www.dogvest.com

You can start your own vest-a-dog foundation here and raise money for bulletproff vests for canine officers.

[bubbatd]

Thanks Sheba ! News on now and a Gun shop here has donated $$$ and another company $2000 towards new dog and vests !!!! Showed clips of Arco working on another case and taking down a thug. So anxious for the officer to get a new dog.....he loved Arco so !

[EliNHunter]

In today's news:

July 18, 2005

In memoriam: Gift honors slain dog

A local scrap metal business is donating money to replace Arco, the police dog killed in the line of duty last week, as well as $2,000 for bulletproof vests for canines.

General manager Matt McKinney of Capitol City Metal will present a check today during a ceremony at his business at 331 S. Shelby St. Arco and his handler, Cpl. Mark Archer of the Marion County Sheriff's Department, were helping chase a suspect when Arco was shot and killed. Officers fatally shot the suspect, Jerry L. "Big" Stephens, 29, Indianapolis, moments later.

Capitol City Metal will give $2,000 to the Sheriff's Department to find a successor to Arco and to buy protective vests, and $1,000 to the Indianapolis Police Department canine unit, also for vests.

-- Keith Manring

[MyDogsLoveMe]

We were approached about possibly selling law enforcement some future pups, but Charley and I discussed it and we agree that neither one of us agrees with the idea of putting dogs - or any other animal - in the line of fire to mop up after human screw-ups. Search and rescue and sniffing are great jobs for them, just nothing that might involve being in the line of fire

I can understand not wanting to raise pups for police duty, but there are not there just for human screwups. They help in the aid of searching for missing children, they help protect other officers and hold a suspect at bay. They can get into areas that most officers cant. They are nothing short of a police officer and receive the highest standard. I would feel it a honor and privledge to raise pups for active duty as I know that my pups were the ones that would save the life of anyone for any reason and if they were shot and killed they did it protecting you and me

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Arco you will always be in the hearts and prayers of those you protected and those who stood by you day after day. You stood up to the call and did your job the only way you knew how to. My heart goes out to your and your partner in this time of sorrow. Please know that you are indeed a fallen hero

[Buckshot]

I am sorry for the dog and I dont think we should exploit an animals desire to please us by getting them involved in wars and being assigned to deal with dangerous situations to enforce human laws and politics. When someone is confronted with either dispatching an animal or being attacked by it most folks would dispatch it. If I was guilty of something or not I dont think I would just let a dog attack me. In this case the guy sounds like a real loser but be that as it may, he has a survival instinct and we should know that. The dog sent into this masacre probably had little concern with the balistic potential of the situation and was more focused on all the pets and attention he was going to get for going in and getting this bad guy on to the ground.

I am all for a dogs use in helping the handicapped, finding lost people and other rescue uses. I know what the question that is coming is.. and yes I think its mans responsibility to deal with human created problems if it is dangerous.

[MyDogsLoveMe]

buck, dont loose sight on what certain animals were indeed breed for. They were breed for protection - to protect their king so to speak. They were breed for companionship, protection and what ever their master wanted. They are breed to work in feilds, pull sleds and even dig out people that are in avalanches. They are breed for so many different things that a police dog isnt any different that those breed for protection, they are doing just that protecting. There will always be arguements on what dogs should do or not. These animals are so well trained but they can not shoot back like a regular officer could, but then again if there is someone lying in wait and the officer doesnt see them, they get shot and or killed it is the same, shot in the line of duty. I have the upmost respect for police canines, search and rescue, seeing eye animals as they all have a duty and they perform to the best of their ability. Remember, we send dogs into 9/11 for example, puting their lives in danger, that is what they do best - I love my dogs to death, most any animal for that matter, but would be honored if I were approached and asked to raise pups for police duty, that is just my feelings and personal opinion.

[Buckshot]

I do understand that, and that is the way it is. I just personally disagree with using dogs for war and law enforcement. Maybe because I know how I would deal with a dog that has encountered me with the intention of hurting me or holding me for people who want to hurt me. Soldiers and police officers have to take an oath before they are inducted. The dogs however dont take that oath and dont really know why we want to kill or capture someone or the rights and wrongs of what is going on nor do they have the same book of judgement. Whoever has the cookies is king. Dogs also seem to be a great tool for fascism and used in the wrong hands are a dangerous tool indeed http://www.geocities.com/ericsquire/articles/dogshist.htm I see your side and I think you see the cup as half full I see it as half empty. I have great faith in dogs but humans have an awful track record

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Buck I agree, and yes I think we both understand but have a different understanding. It is always nice though when at least one person can come to the defense so to speak. It has been nice chatting with you on this topic as it will always be a topic up for debate. Thanks :)

[Renee750il]

We were approached about possibly selling law enforcement some future pups, but Charley and I discussed it and we agree that neither one of us agrees with the idea of putting dogs - or any other animal - in the line of fire to mop up after human screw-ups. Search and rescue and sniffing are great jobs for them, just nothing that might involve being in the line of fire

I can understand not wanting to raise pups for police duty, but there are not there just for human screwups. They help in the aid of searching for missing children, they help protect other officers and hold a suspect at bay. They can get into areas that most officers cant. They are nothing short of a police officer and receive the highest standard. I would feel it a honor and privledge to raise pups for active duty as I know that my pups were the ones that would save the life of anyone for any reason and if they were shot and killed they did it protecting you and me

If you'll notice, Cindy, I did differentiate between search and rescue work and being hung out to take a bullet for someone else. Buck's right. The dogs don't sign on wittingly. Anyone who decides to be a cop understands that there's a decent chance they're going to get shot at at some point in their career - possibly fatally. But a human being has the option of making that choice - the dogs don't. And it's a grave injustice for man to shield himself from the actions of his fellow man behind another creature. It's our responsibility. But I've been a real fanatic about what is just and what isn't since I was a child, much to the irritation of my parents, lol!

[Raika's Mom]

bubbatd, I'm from Indy too. That was so sad to see that story on the news. Our pets become family to us and I hate to see anything like that happen.

[necterine0]

Ahhh so sad to hear this.:( May he Rest in peace.
So sorry for his partner.

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Renee I didnt mean to come across rude, by all means I was trying to quote but it got all messed up. Please, we are all allowed our opinion and you opinion matters alot, I just feel different. :) I am glad that there are people out there who feel that passionate about animals good heavens we know we need them.

[Renee750il]

I didn't think you were being rude, Cindy, I just wanted to clear up any misconceptions about my feelings about service dogs vs. those used in potentially lethal situations.

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Cool thanks, you know there isnt any misconceptions you have the same passion as all of us do on here when it comes to animals. I would have a yard full if I could, I have 2 dogs and now 4 bunnies (my momma had a baby) and would have so many more. You are right dogs are not allowed to make the decision to go into service but raised that way, but I am grateful that they are here, about a month ago I was out with my middle daughter and my son was home with my granddaughter. My dogs were up in there kennels and nalla my pit was going nuts. My son was sitting on the floor in my family room with my grand daughter just about to get up and go tell nalla to hush when he saw a shadow out my family room window that is in my backyard, he calmly picked up his cell phone dialled me then 911 they were here within minutes with a K-9 unit, within 5 minutes the dog had the trespasser pinned under my pinetrees (my backyard has 12 mature pines) if it hadnt of been for the dog he may of been able to sneak away.

[Renee750il]

Your son sure stayed calm and used his head.

[showpug]

Cool thanks, you know there isnt any misconceptions you have the same passion as all of us do on here when it comes to animals. I would have a yard full if I could, I have 2 dogs and now 4 bunnies (my momma had a baby) and would have so many more. You are right dogs are not allowed to make the decision to go into service but raised that way, but I am grateful that they are here, about a month ago I was out with my middle daughter and my son was home with my granddaughter. My dogs were up in there kennels and nalla my pit was going nuts. My son was sitting on the floor in my family room with my grand daughter just about to get up and go tell nalla to hush when he saw a shadow out my family room window that is in my backyard, he calmly picked up his cell phone dialled me then 911 they were here within minutes with a K-9 unit, within 5 minutes the dog had the trespasser pinned under my pinetrees (my backyard has 12 mature pines) if it hadnt of been for the dog he may of been able to sneak away.

How incredibly scary! Nothing beats the nose of a K9 when they're on a scent trail and yay to your pittie for being a tattle tale!! Glad everyone is ok. :)

[Dakotah_2009]

Thats bad to hear when a dog loses his life when saving others. Its horrible! I'll be thinking about the one you lost and all the others that are still here.

[bubbatd]

We'll let you know when he gets his new dog !

[Dakotah_2009]

ok thanks for keeping us posted Bubbatd

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Yes needless to say my Nalla sure did get lots and lots of loving for that. It is hard to hear when any service personell whether human or K9 lose their lives in the line of duty. Yes please keep us posted. :)