Retired Santa Cruz County Sheriff's K-9 Dies

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A beloved K-9 who worked alongside his handler for several years to keep the community safe has died, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office announced the passing of Ari, a retired sheriff's office K-9, Thursday.

Ari served the Santa Cruz community with his partner Deputy Smith for six years. He succeeded in any task at hand (or paw) and he loved working, the sheriff's office said. He also excelled in tracking, narcotics detection, apprehension and, yes, even chewing water bottles.

"Ari was the best partner I could have asked for. He didn't know the meaning of the word, 'quit'. No matter how many miles a track went, or how rugged the terrain, he never lost his intense drive to keep going," said Deputy Smith.

Ari retired four years ago and got to spend his retirement in his loving home with Deputy Smith's family.

"The sheriff's office and anyone who met Ari will miss him tremendously," the department posted on its official Facebook page. "May you now get an endless supply of water bottles sweet boy, we'll take the watch from here."