Winnipeg police honour memory of K-9 unit dog Judge

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service are honouring one of their own — a dog from the K-9 unit who passed away recently.

Judge, who became the face of the K-9 Unit for the Winnipeg police, passed away in January, nine months after retirement.

• Winnipeg star K-9 officer Judge dies months after retiring

Sgt. David Bessason said Judge's memorial service was held on Wednesday, but his legacy will live on.

Father to 41

Judge fathered 41 puppies. Twenty-three of them are working in the police service across Canada and the U.S, along with nine grand-puppies.

Bessason said Judge's DNA has also been saved.

"We made sure when Judge was in good health that we took samples from him," he said. "We have a good 10-15-year supply so we can make sure that again those lines are passed on."

The police service is also collecting donations to create a proper burial site for their service dogs. It will also allow the public a space to pay their respects.

Donations can be made on the Winnipeg Police Service Canine Unit page.