Prison mourns death of faithful K-9

PENDLETON, Ind. (WISH) - Employees at the Pendleton Correctional Facility are mourning the loss of a K-9 that worked at the facility.

Officials say Baron the K-9 was euthanized Oct. 20 after suffering from extreme pain from hip dysplasia. His condition had progressively worsened.

Baron was donated to the Pendleton Correctional Facility in 2005 by the German Shepherd Rescue Organization in Franklin. He received his certification as a police dog in 2006.

Sgt. Donald Mockler was Baron’s handler and described the dog as “one of the most well-mannered aggression canines in the state, but was tough as nails when he needed to be.”

The facility placed a wreath and plaque in the lobby of the facility’s administration building in Baron’s honor.

"Even in his last moments he fought to stay by my side and did not give up easily. I was always very proud of him and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten," Mockler said in a news release.