K-9 teams pay last respects
Published: Tuesday, February 07, 2006

VANCOUVER --While hundreds of police officers stood at attention Monday, 92 dog teams walked past a shrine and the urn holding the ashes of Nitro, the Vancouver police dog killed in the line of duty.

In what may be the noisiest funeral on record, the police service dogs filled a cavernous Vancouver armoury with a cacophony of sound as they barked heartily for their fallen comrade.

In the front row, Nitro's family -- partner Const. Howard Rutter, wife Carolyn, son Matthew and daughter Megan -- fought back tears for much of the 70-minute service that featured three extended eulogies and a multi-media production displayed on a huge overhead screeen.

"There were so many times that I would be frustrated with Nitro and get mad at him, but all it took was him coming over and licking my face and all would be well again," Rutter said in a full-colour printed tribute to police service dog No. 9755 handed out to hundreds of well-wishers.

The event got underway with a motorcade fit for a king -- 60 police vehicles with lights flashing -- and for a day Nitro was king of Vancouver.

Led by an armed honour guard, Nitro's ashes were led out of the building. In keeping with tradition, Nitro's ashes will be spread on each of the four corners of the city, so Nitro can guard the city even in his afterlife.

Photograph by : Ian Smith, CanWest News Service