On Christmas Eve, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue K9 Poppy completed her last mission – a life well lived. K9 Poppy, 11, was an operational member of SAR for over 7 years. She trained thousands of hours to be certified in Wilderness Air Scent and Human Remains Detection. She went to schools, parades, and public events. Most importantly, she deployed with her volunteer handler on 46 missions – that included 4 finds. Together, they spent hours, days, weeks searching for our county’s lost, often coming up empty handed but going back to look more. The payoff? A terrified father reunited with a missing teenage son. Lost loved ones who passed away in the remote wilderness – but were located, and families given closure. Evidence found in a murder case. Anyone who has had a dog understands the bond they hold on us. But only a few get to experience the bond of working, suffering, and succeeding with a SAR K9. Rest in peace K9 Poppy. Lane County thanks you for your service. #CommittedToJusticeAndIntegrity #SwornToProtect #HonoredToServe