Duchess, a veteran canine for the Maine Warden Service, died at home last week.
The Maine Warden Service reported on its Facebook page that Duchess had experienced in March an unexplained medical issue with her liver and other organs. Duchess also was diagnosed with a slow growing sarcoma attached to her rib cage.
Duchess served the Maine Warden Service with her handler, Cpl. Michelle Merrifield, for 11 years. Merrifield works out of the Sidney office.
Duchess was responsible for locating numerous lost persons in the woods that included children, adults, people with autism and special needs, and several homicide victims, the Maine Warden Service reported. The canine also located evidence associated with fish and wildlife crimes as well as assisted other agencies with significant criminal cases.
“Duchess was a beautiful, graceful, gentle, and overall amazing working partner and she worked through significantly challenging and severe search conditions until her assignments were complete,” Merrifield said in a written statement. “Duchess’ impact on me as a K9 handler is immeasurable. I am at peace with her passing and thankful for all that she gave.”
Merrifield supervises the Maine Warden Service K9 Team, which is comprised of nine teams located across the state. She is currently training a new Dutch shepherd named Piper.