K9 honored in final salute before being put down

NATIONWIDE -- Officers at one U.S. police department honored a beloved K9 team member in a heartbreaking final ceremony.

Officer Michael D’Aresta, K9 handler for the Middletown Police Department in Connecticut, recently found out that his loyal sidekick of 10 years, Hunter, was suffering from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Veterinarians recommended the dog be put down.

In photos taken during the solemn ceremony, Officer Mike is seen carrying his buddy for the last time as officers and police staff lined on either side, saluting the two.

The Facebook post said that the loss has been “extremely difficult for Mike and his family.”