K9s4Cops gives Ohio officer new hope

HOUSTON – The story of Canton, Ohio, Police Officer Ryan Davis is one many won’t be able to forget. His K-9 partner, Jethro, was killed in the line of duty earlier this month as the two responded to a burglary call.

"I got him as a puppy. He was a family member. I can't even begin to describe the bond. I miss him," Davis said.

Hundreds attended Jethro’s funeral service and paid their respects to a fallen officer.

"There's always going to be a hole with Jethro. It will never be filled," Davis said.

Monday, Davis was in Houston, accepting an incredible gift from a Houston organization called K9 for Cops.

"We call it a controllable beast," trainer Jaz Stanze from the Houston K9 Academy said.

K-9 officers have confidence, hunting skills and are willing to die taking down the bad guy.

K9s4Cops helps officers across the country. It was first inspired by Harris County Deputy Ted Dahlin, whose partner Bleck, was killed at the hands of a criminal he was trained to hunt.

"He probably saved my life that day, apprehending one of the suspects but one of them choked him to death," Dahlin said.

Dahlin now plays an active role with K9s4Cops. He's the only one who understands the agony felt by officers like Davis who come to Houston looking for a new partner.

"If you take them and say, 'Bleck did this or Bleck did that,' you're not going to find one," Dahlin said wiping away tears. "So, I was trying to remind him I know what you're going through."

Just as any loyal dog will do, the new K-9 will wait and jump into his heart as soon as Davis is ready. Until then, he's ready to protect and serve.

K9s4Cops has donated more than 100 dogs.

Davis and his new partner return to Ohio Tuesday morning with the newest addition to the Canton Police Department.

The new dog is a "dual purpose" dog, meaning he's trained to sniff out narcotics and apprehend suspects.

Their airfare was donated by United Airlines.