From STAFF REPORTS
ROCHELLE — A faithful friend to many in the Wilcox County community has been laid to rest after several years of working as the county’s drug dog.
“Officer K-9 Hunter,” a golden labrador retriever recently had to be euthanized due to a terminal illness that took away from his quality of life. He was 13 years old.
Born Aug. 8, 1994 in Houston County, Hunter began his career in law enforcement at the very early age of 18 months. Trained by Marsha Peavy, the K-9 trainer at the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office, Hunter spent his entire life at the home of his owner/handler J.T. Hall of Rochelle who is a special deputy with the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office.
“Hunter was very active until recently when he became ill and was unable to perform his duties,” said Hall’s wife, Barbara. “He was a gentle giant and had many friends, especially among the young children. He never met a stranger and made friends with everyone he came into contact with.”
Mrs. Hall said his friendly demeanor never interfered with his duties as a drug dog, however.
“All J.T. had to say was ‘Hunter, let’s work’ and he was ready to go,” she said.
Hunter was laid to rest beside the pen where he lived with the Halls.
