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KUCHING, Sept 20: Blake, the devoted detection dog of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) who captured the hearts of the public during a search and rescue (SAR) mission for landslide victims in Batang Kali, Selangor, last December, has been euthanised after being diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
According to a TVS report, during the landslide, the heroic K9 companion had tirelessly assisted Bomba personnel for two consecutive days during the rescue mission, enabling the recovery of the bodies of several victims of the tragic incident.
The Ministry of Local Government Development, in a statement released on Tuesday, conveyed the sad news that Blake was gently put to sleep at 4.38pm on Monday.
“The loss of Blake will undoubtedly be deeply felt by all members of Bomba Malaysia, and the dedicated service he provided over six years will forever be cherished and remembered. Farewell, Blake,” the Ministry expressed.
The Ministry informed that the decision to euthanise Blake was made after consultations with veterinary expert Dr Nur Alimah Rahman and Bomba Malaysia.
They concluded that Blake’s health had significantly deteriorated, rendering recovery nearly impossible. The decision was made with the utmost consideration for the dog’s well-being, preventing further suffering.
Blake, a detection dog specialising in the Cadaver discipline, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma cancer on Aug 15. He was readmitted to the Pet Dog ward at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, last Thursday (Sept 14) due to a loss of appetite and lethargy, along with worsening cancer-related symptoms.
“While undergoing a thorough health examination at the ward, Blake did not respond positively to the medication and treatment provided by the veterinarian. The lymphoma cancer in the dog also grew increasingly aggressive, spreading throughout his body,” the Ministry added.
Blake, an English Springer Spaniel originally from the United Kingdom, joined Bomba Malaysia’s ranks in 2017.
Throughout his service, Blake made significant contributions to the success of Bomba Malaysia’s search operations across the country.
His achievements included locating drowning victims at Toll Batu 13, Lorong 16, Kampung Kenangan, Selangor; participating in a search and rescue operation at the water head in Titi Hayun near Yan, Kedah and aiding in locating buried victims in Kampung Telemong, Karak, Pahang. — DayakDaily
