Beloved K9 gets police escort to be euthanized at clinic

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- A beloved K9 suffering from seizures and arthritis has gotten a police escort to the Maine vet clinic where he was to be euthanized.

Dozens of officers and firefighters turned out this month to pay their respects to Sultan, a 13-year-old German shepherd who sniffed out drugs and bad guys with the Yarmouth Police Department.

Officers gave a last pat or scratch to the dog. Then they provided an escort for Sultan's final journey to a veterinary clinic.

South Portland canine officer Shane Stephenson took Sultan in as a pet when the dog retired. He says the dog was friendly and lovable, but "when it came down to business, he was one of the best, too."