In the line of duty
We were sad to hear that "Sammy," a Gardena police dog responsible for finding thousands of dollars in drugs -- and catching a few bad guys in the process -- died Tuesday.
The 6-year-old German shepherd from Germany had worked with Officer Bill McReynolds for the last three years, according to information compiled for us by Daily Breeze crime reporter Larry Altman.
Sammy became ill about a year ago after inhaling some kind of narcotic, possibly methamphetamine, while on a search, police said. He developed an unknown illness that put him out of action for the last three months.
Sammy found several suspects trying to flee from police in Gardena and other South Bay cities. Police said they'll try to replace him soon. But our hearts go out to Officer McReynolds who no doubt developed a special bond as he lived and worked with Sammy over the years. No dog, in that sense, can ever really be replaced.
Anyone wishing to donate to the K-9 fund should call Sgt. Steve Pendergast at 310-217-6188.
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About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.
Dear Officer McReynolds,
I just came across this article about your partner Sam and I wanted to write you a note to express my deepest sympathy. I know how close you were to him and know how shaken you must be by this loss.
I do not know if you will get this message, but hope that you do...and hope that you realise that in a part of this world, someone, somewhere wishes to share this grief with you.
Sincerely,
Kiran
My deep sympathies to Officer McReynolds for the loss of his long-time partner. Sounds like Sam was a hero in the City of Gardena. From what I know, successful canine work requires nothing short of strength, dedication, perseverance, loyalty and endless training. Sam was a police officer who risked his life every day, stared danger straight in the face, protected fellow officers, guided his handler to the bad guys, found narcotics, all without an ounce of fear. He deserves a place of honor in this newspaper. Somewhere other than where the South Bay's coolest dog parks are located or where to find a Doggy Day Spa. We aren't talking about Fluffy, after all. We are honoring the life of a loyal police officer.