K-9 Cisco - If I could Talk
This was written by Officer John Surowiec, and read by him at Cisco’s funeral. Up to this point, I had been able to hold back my tears. Thanks John for everything you done for my Cisco. Enjoy reading, or click on the link below to hear the story as told by Officer John Surowiec.
Click Here - If Cisco could talk
Emory, these are just a few things I think Cisco would tell you if he could talk.
If Cisco Could Talk
I was born on October 31st, 1990…yes, that’s right, Halloween! You welcomed me into your home at seven weeks old. Your comforting touch and peaceful voice made me feel that this was the place I was supposed to be, by your side. You played tug-a-war with me and many games allowing me to develop my courage and determination. You knew I already had these things inside me. I always won the fight.
As I grew into a massive presence you knew I possessed the things to be a great police dog; tracking, scent work and level headedness. You saw these things in me even before I could. Most of all you saw the most important thing that made me a great police dog and that was what was my heart. Your ability to communicate to me what you wanted by a look, a soft tender ‘good boy Cisco’ or a stern “ahhhh!” reassured me that you were not only my partner, but my friend. I knew by those moments that I would always protect you and never fail you.
Together, we ran thousands of training tracks, apprehension drills, scent drills, building searches and obedience drills. It was hard work but you always made it positive and fun.
My most favorite word you taught me was “Fuss”. It was not because of the toy or the bite but rather because I would come by your side, look up at you, wag my tail, bark and ask, “What can I do for you next?” You were my partner and friend.
Because of your ability to understand me, looking into my heart, I developed into a great police dog. You gave me the best gift a partner could give to his four-legged friend. I did not do the work because I had to; I did it because I wanted to. We started as a K9 team in 1996. Over these years of service we were responsible for locating many bad guys, from kidnappers, armed robbers, burglars, drug dealers, missing children and elderly people. The mere presence of our K9 team patrolling the streets was a deterrent to all criminals. I looked forward to hearing “signal 80 on foot”. I knew it was our time to rise to the occasion. I never worried when we were searching for bad guys, I knew you would watch over me and I would watch over you. I was injured in the line of duty while searching for a bad guy. You took care of me helping me recover.
As my body started to age you saw this before I did. Your understanding of how I think told you to look into my heart. You knew my heart would always want to be by your side even if my body would not let me. When your new partner, Mr. B, arrived instead of cutting me off cold turkey from my duties you thought enough to help me break in your new partner by riding both of us in the police car. Mr. B was the rookie and I was the veteran. I was proud to see all the things we taught each other would be passed on.
I was happy to stay at your home watching over your family. I loved rooting my nose between the cushions to get the nibbles left by Ali, Brett, Brianna or Maura. When your family slept I would go into each room making sure they were safe. I would then sit at the top of the stairs waiting your arrival. You were my friend and partner and I would not let you down.
When the day came that my old body told me it was time to go to heaven, again you looked into my heart. You sat me on your lap as we drove to the vet’s office allowing me to look out the window. I gave my last loud Cisco bark at a person walking from his car.
Thank you my friend an partner for bringing me into your home and being a loving part of your family. You always looked into my heart to decide how to treat me. I don’t want you to worry about me because I am in a peaceful place that has no limits. The tracks are always fresh and never contaminated.
My spirit will always be with you and your new four-legged partners. One day I will hear your voice calling that special word to me – “Fuss” and I will once again come be by your side. Until then dear friend, may all your new partners run fast, bite hard, and fear nothing.
Your Cisco.