AUBURN — Inka, the retired police dog profiled in the Sun Journal last month, has died.

The Auburn Police Department announced her passing on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon. She was 12 years old.

“Inka’s heart showed in everything she did,” the post read. “She would allow the smallest child to pet her and kiss her; but she knew when it was time to work, tracking the bad guys with tenacity and ferocity. She was always right beside her partner, ready to face anything that was asked of her.”

Inka, a German shepherd, was one of Auburn’s first K-9s when she arrived in town more than a decade ago. Specially bred and trained, it was her job to sniff out criminals, find missing people and intimidate when necessary.

Inka’s career spanned six years. When her handler, Cpl. Scott Corey, retired in 2013, Inka retired, too. Corey couldn’t take her, so Inka found a new home in Brunswick with Auburn police officer Dennis Matthews and his family.

She spent her retirement relaxing on the couch with her canine companion, Abby, floating away the afternoon on a fishing boat and stealing food when her humans weren’t looking. She sometimes visited the Auburn Police Department, where she was welcomed like a returning hero.

“We will always remember and honor Inka’s service to the Auburn Police Department,” the Facebook post read. “On behalf of a grateful community, thank you and rest easy, girl — we have it from here.”

ltice@sunjournal.com

Inka, a retired Auburn police dog, runs in her backyard in Brunswick recently. Inka died Thursday at age 12. (Sun Journal file photo)


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