Jeg, a K-9 working for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), was left in a hot car by his handler & partner on Wednesday, July 11.

How can this happen?

The handler and Jeg, a handsome Belgian Malinois, have been partners for almost three years.  How do you leave your partner in the car? What part of the car does Jeg ride in? Front seat? Back seat? Another compartment?

According to published articles, Officer Korey Lankow changed vehicles and while on his way to a traffic accident on I-19 remembered that he forgot Jeb and returned to retrieve him. Why not call someone at headquarters where the initial vehicle is parked to get the dog out immediately instead of driving all the way back?

To some of you, Jeg is just a dog. To the rest of us, Jeg is a part of the family, a loving family.

K-9s are responsible members of the DPS team.

When found, Jeg was received emergency care, was rushed to the vet, and treated for heatstroke. His condition worsened and he was euthanized the next day.

From the DPS media release: The Department of Public Safety expresses sincere appreciation to the initial responders at DPS who provided immediate care for Jeg; to the Tucson Fire Department for going above and beyond in looking after Jeg and Officer Lankow; and to the doctors and staff of the Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center for the extraordinary care they have provided and the kindness they have shown to all those who have been so concerned about Jeg during this tragic incident.

The incident will be investigated. Someone reached out to Tucson Tails, saying the incident that is being reported is not what happened. However, they have since clammed up. I’m hoping anyone who knows what happened will be speaking to the investigating team.

Here is some information for recognizing heatstroke in dogs provided by Pet Sitters International.

Heatstroke is most often caused when pets are left in a confined space with little or no ventilation during periods of warm temperatures and high humidity.  The signs of heatstroke can include:
•    Uncontrollable panting
•    Foaming at the mouth
•    Depression
•    Lethargy
•    Agitation
•    Vomiting
•    Loss of consciousness
•    Tongue and gums that turn from bright red to blue to gray
•    Capillary refill time of more than two seconds

Various news stories:

Arizona Daily Star
ABC15.com