Austin
1999-2008
Biography
"Austin" arrived in early 1999 from Houston, Texas He was donated to the Austin Police Department by Texas Hearing and Service Dogs. "Austin" was assigned to Senior Officer Jim Minton and they trained together as a team, becoming certified in police canine search and rescue operations and chemical-biological detection. "Austin" competed in various police dog competitions and was awarded numerous medals for his achievements. In 2000 he was awarded the title "Police Search and Rescue Canine of the Year" by the American Kennel Club of New York. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed October 28, 2001 as K-9 "Austin" Day. Later, K-9 "Austin" was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame.
"Austin" was the first police canine in the nation to be certified in chemical and biological detection. He responded to 272 service calls in Austin and throughout the state during his career, three of which were international assignments involving drug cartel violence. "Austin's" varied assignments included locating lost and missing children, adults, Alzheimer's patients, suicidal individuals, evidence searches, and chemical, biological, and radiological searches.
A few of the more significant assignments were:
November 18, 1999 K-9 "Austin" was summoned to College Station to search for survivors of the Aggie bonfire collapse that claimed the lives of twelve students.
January 23, 2004 At the request of the Mexican Government, U. S. Customs ICE, and the U. S. Attorney's Office, K -9 "Austin" traveled to Mexico in a U. S. Department of Justice aircraft with another K -9 team to search property owned by a drug cartel that yielded thirteen victims. Each person had been brutally tortured and killed. To date, fifty- two people have been arrested for these international crimes and two have committed suicide while awaiting trial in the U. S. Reportedly, a drug cartel offered a $25,000 cash reward to anyone able to kill or kidnap the U. S. based police canines working in Mexico. "Austin" was one of the canines being singled out. Both teams were immediately flown back to the United States.
February 9, 2004 At the request of the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, K-9 "Austin" and another canine team returned to the interior of Mexico via DEA aircraft to search for additional victims of violence. After an extensive search was completed, both teams returned to U. S. soil without incident.
October 10, 2004 At the request of the U. S. State Department, K-9 "Austin" and another canine team were flown back to Mexico via a U. S. Customs aircraft. This assignment involved searching an area near the U. S. Consulate in Mexico. This mission conducted by K -9 "Austin" and one other canine team saved the U. S. Government from paying substantial fines to the Mexican government and allowed the United States to proceed with building a new consulate. Both teams returned to U. S. soil without incident.
All,
Police K-9 "Austin" died yesterday 2-16-2008 @ 1:07PM
10-11 year old male Golden Retriever
Austin Police Department 1999-2004 (U. S. Government contractor 2004-2008)
On
Friday, February 15, 2008 at 6:00pm I pick "Austin" up from the vet clinic
where he had been undergoing tests to confirm or rule out "CUSHINGS DISEASE"
He was there from 745AM until 6PM when I picked him up. When the vet tech
brought him out to me he was not himself, he was also very bloated. Again,
discounted as it was the dexamethazone injection. This was a visual
observation that took place immediately. Almost some light lathargy setting
in, acted as if he had been sedated among many other signs that were simply
discounted (by me) as the injection of dexamethazone for the testing must be
wearing off. I took him to the grass for a break and when we approached the
car he needed assistance getting in. (A first) Again, I discounted it as "ok
he just woke up and perhaps its the meds wearing off". I get him home, he is
NOT himself in many aspects. He and I were settling in for a relaxing evening.
I fed Austin (1 can of science diet ID) chopped up into small bites. He eats,
and immediately less than 10 seconds later, he began having the dry heaves.
followed by a period of lethargy that increased in magnitude over minutes.
Also, noticed tightness in the stomach area, gums were not normal color. By
now, after watching and monitoring his dry heaves I decided to prepare to
transport to the Emergency Animal Clinic. He was laying on my couch and was
sitting up looking and breathing. While I was getting dressed, his breathing
became labored, and he became 100% non-responsive. Eyes would blink upon
distraction but that's it. He refused to get up and walk out to the car. I had
to carry him. We proceeded to the Emergency Animal Clinic at Research just
south of Oak Knoll.
Upon arrival he had no visible signs of life. I carried him in and we were met
by a team of doctors and vet techs. They immediately took him from me and
began emergency treatment. By now the trunk of the body had swollen to
unbelievable proportions. In fact, the xray indicated (bloat) and had swollen
to the size of a soccer ball. The stomach was deflated, and surgery was
performed. Vets were given full authority to save the life of this canine
regardless of the cost. CPR was also authorized during the surgical procedure
if needed.
Vets suggested I go home and they would call me the minute they were done with
surgery. 1 hour later the attending doctor calls and tells me "Austin" pulled
through surgery great and in fact he just sat up and was looking at the vet
talking to me. I asked the vet if I could return and be with Austin with the
promise that I would not get in the way. Upon arrival 10 minutes later the vet
informed me that since he talked to me vitals have become very erratic and
causing concern. He also indicated that they have a big concern with the blood
coagulation ratio. From this point on, vitals became out of control. Heart
rate was at 229 for more than 5 hours, cardiac problems began, meds were
obtained from Brackenridge Hospital and administered to "Austin." Once the
last of a series of 6 cardiac injections were administered and I had crawled
into Austin's kennel with him, I laid down beside him with my arm around him,
and began noticing his eyes were rolling into the back of his head, breathing
became very labored, I then ask the emergency vet AND (Austin's dear friends
that had heard the news) what should I do that I have the feeling he is about
to die in my arms. As the vet was about to answer, Austin looked at me, wide
awake and alert, took a deep breath, exhaled, laid his head down, I kissed
him, monitors started sounding, and Austin left this cruel world.
Each of you will receive an email this week as to the date and time of a
police K-9 memorial service. Each of you had a special place in Austin's
heart. Please try and attend the ceremony and celebrate his life.
Would each of you please forward your U. S. Mailing address to me. Last but
not least, if you know of anyone not on this email list whom had a role in
Austin life please forward it to them.
Sincerely,
Jim