REGINA - Sad news this week from Regina Police Service as their beloved K9 Merlot has passed away.
On her social media feeds it was posted that K9 Merlot, a black Labrador retriever who retired from service in 2024, had died following a battle with cancer. The posting on X read as follows:
"It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of Merlot.13/01/30-25/01/17
Merlot’s Paws of strength became weak after years of caring 4 others. When an aggressive cancer presented she told us it was time for her to rest. Rest Easy Girl. TC Good Night."
Merlot was employed for eight years by the Regina Police Service as a fully accredited and trained Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) facility dog.
Her stated role was to comfort and support children and vulnerable adults who were victims or witness to crime and trauma.
According to the post on K9 Merlot's Facebook page, she was trained in Burnaby BC and came to Regina in June 2015 to be the first Accredited Facility Dog - later known as Justice Facility Dog - to work for Regina Police Service. She also was the first Justice Facility Dog used in Saskatchewan courts including provincial court and King's Bench.
"Merlot won over the hearts of everyone who met her, with her deep brown eyes and caring old soul. We can’t forget her loud snoring during quiet courtroom testimony and child forensic interviews. Nothing like adding some humor when life got ruff," the Facebook post stated.
Merlot became a familiar presence in Regina courts, providing valuable emotional support to those vulnerable individuals testifying in criminal cases. Off duty, Merlot was described as enjoying snow and swimming and lots of food, as well as companionship with her sister dog Nelly.
Merlot's adventures were chronicled extensively on Facebook, Instagram and on the X platform. Merlot retired officially in June 2023, and Regina Police Service held a retirement celebration in her honour.
A new PADS-accredited dog, Sinclair, took over duties from Merlot in spring 2024.
