In Ohio, the first law enforcement therapy dog, Mattis, was remembered in an emotional memorial ceremony on Tuesday morning. Mattis had been a K9 therapy dog at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and his life was celebrated during the event.
On June 28, Mattis passed away.
On the front lawn of Westland High School, Mattis, a 7-year-old yellow lab, was honored by students, staff, law enforcement personnel, and 21 other therapy dogs and handlers. Mattis had served as a therapy dog since he was a puppy in 2017, alongside his handler, Darrah Metz, and had been an integral part of the school community, including at Westland High.
Sadly, Mattis had to be humanely put down after his condition deteriorated due to liver failure. The brave dog had been serving at Westland High School as his final post. For a year, Mattis had been a constant presence at the school every morning, except when he was at the courthouse offering comfort to children who had been victims of crime.
According to Gregory Costello, the principal of Westland High, Sgt. Metz used to park on the side of the building and open the door for him. The furry friend would then dash down the carpeted hallway to receive his morning treat from Costello. Sgt. Metz would also visit other staff members for their treats.
According to Costello, Mattis was a beacon of comfort for the children at the school. They would gather around him in the common area, and no matter what struggles they were facing, Mattis was able to bring them a sense of serenity.
Costello reflected on how much joy was brought into his life by someone so effortlessly authentic. “He will always be remembered for just being himself every day,” he said.
A dog’s legacy
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During his early days, Mattis was already making a difference. Metz recounted in a eulogy during the memorial that when Mattis was just six months old, the FBI reached out to the sheriff’s office for assistance. It was then that Mattis was given his first assignment before he even started his training. The FBI needed him to comfort a child who had witnessed a homicide but refused to speak about what happened. Mattis proved to be a calming presence for the child during this difficult time.
According to Baldwin, Darrah managed to bring Mattis down, and in a matter of 15 to 20 minutes, the child was already playing with Mattis. The child even confided in Mattis and shared everything with him.
During that moment, Baldwin became aware that therapy dogs could be utilized not only to console victims but also to aid in investigations.
According to Baldwin, the sheriff’s office has had a few dogs that have worked alongside Mattis over the years. However, before his passing, Mattis was the sole therapy dog employed by the department. In the wake of his loss, two additional therapy dogs have been added to the sheriff’s office program, and three more are expected to join soon. As a result, the department’s police therapy dog program is set to become one of the largest in the country.
A specialist veterinarian was called in by the sheriff’s office when Mattis fell ill. Unfortunately, the vet diagnosed Mattis with liver failure. Baldwin, who had been closely monitoring the dog’s condition, noticed that Mattis was not acting like himself on the day he passed away.
According to Baldwin, one can easily sense when someone is experiencing pain, even if they don’t want to acknowledge it. He stated that it was the right time to take action.
During her eulogy, Metz expressed how much she still misses Mattis and how she catches herself opening the car door for him to jump in.
Mattis was the recipient of her words as she conveyed her emotions, “You hid it so well, and I am hurting more than I ever thought possible. The magnitude of losing you is overwhelming.”
Franklin County therapy dogs’ future
A heartwarming event occurred on the day when Mattis passed away. A group of therapy dogs, including Sunny, a 7-year-old golden retriever, graduated from their training. It is noteworthy that Sunny is now a successor to Mattis at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Ryan Robinson, the handler of Sunny, shared that he immediately attended the first memorial service of Mattis right after the graduation ceremony.
Robinson described the experience as bittersweet.
On Tuesday’s memorial, the handlers of several dogs that graduated that day were present, accompanied by the 21 dogs who laid at their feet. As a bugler played taps and police personnel stood at attention, two of the dogs barked at something in the distance.
According to Robinson, he has been thoroughly enjoying his experience of working with Sunny, and he has noticed that the dog has a natural talent for therapy work, much like Mattis and other exceptional therapy dogs. Robinson became responsible for Sunny’s well-being when the pup was still young, after his previous owner passed away.
Robinson and his family received support from Sunny after experiencing a loss. The comfort Sunny provided led Robinson to recognize the potential for Sunny to help others in similar situations. As a result, Robinson and Sunny became a part of the sheriff’s office therapy dog program, aiming to provide solace to those in need.
Robinson fondly remembers Mattis, his beloved dog who taught him valuable lessons. “He was a great dog,” Robinson reminisced. “Everything I know today, I owe it to him. We’ll continue to honor his legacy.”
Despite the loss of her beloved dog, Metz has found solace in the company of Radar, a 10-year-old yellow lab who serves as a therapy dog at Ohio State University. According to Metz, Radar has played an integral role in helping her deal with the grief of losing her previous furry companion.
Sergeant Metz, who is currently serving in the community affairs division at the sheriff’s office, has been recently promoted. She still maintains a close working relationship with the therapy dog unit and plans to adopt another therapy dog when the timing is appropriate.
Metz expressed her gladness at the impact of their work together as she gazed at the therapy dogs gathered to pay tribute to Mattis.
Metz expressed humble gratitude and privilege in owning something, saying “I’m so blessed. I’m so privileged that he was mine.”
