08/07/2026
It is with great sorrow and grief to announce retired K9 Lana passed away this morning.
K9 Lana started her career as a Police K9 Officer with the Piketon Police Department in Piketon, Ohio. She was a dual-purpose patrol canine trained in narcotic detection, missing person tracking, criminal apprehension, article search, officer protection and criminal apprehension in inside structures. When she arrived in Piketon, a former Pike Pet Pal volunteer contacted me to inform me they had a canine and I needed to help. So, I showed up, introduced myself and asked how I could help. At that time, there was not a large presence of K9 officers on social media. We could not provide financial help, but I spent a lot of personal time searching for donations, supplies and resources. Soon, she had the supplies she needed to succeed in her job.
K9 Lana excelled in her job. She had several large drug busts and was well known for her tracking skills. Even though she had several handlers during her career, she was successful in being retrained to work for another handler. Her last handler, Officer Spriggs, had a life long dream of being a K9 handler. K9 Lana bonded with him immediately and intergraded into his family. During a visit to drop off treats, I noticed how she was getting in and out of the car. She had been seen by the vet for hip pain, but the increasing arthritis was a growing concern. Her handler tried multiple medications and therapies, but it became increasingly obvious her pain was causing great suffering for her.
Retired life was good for her. She had twin sisters to look after that kept her on duty full time. This morning she was sick when she got up. Her family made a vet appointment, put her outside to rest, got ready to go and returned to find her passed away. She was in her favorite spot waiting for her dad to return home from work. It was exactly where you would find a German Shepherd. They are loyal, protective family-oriented dogs who hide their own pain for the protection of the pack. It is not uncommon to hear of one passing in this manner. They are going to stay faithful until the very end.
The family would love to thank everyone who loved and supported K9 Lana over the years. Her loyalty, hard work and dedication to the county provided a great service. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
