Welcome to Ivo's Rainbow Residency

Memories of Ivo

Ivo was a Belgian Shepherd, born in East germany 10/3/2000. He was an explosive detection dog and we worked primarily at the Port of Miami. He was assigned to me and the first day we worked together was 9/11/03. Amazingly, Friday morning, 9/11/09, I had to put my partner of exactly 6 years to sleep. When I let Ivo out this morning to go to work he was acting strange, when I lifted him up to put him in the truck I felt his stomach was very rigid. Thinking it was bloat I rushed him to our primary emergency vet. They rushed him into the back and came back 20 minutes later and told me that it was not bloat, and that he was bleeding into his abdomen. The probable cause was cancer, probably a tumor that had ruptured, and he was dying fast. After checking him out some more, the vet said she could start transfusions, but recommended that due to his age and probable outcome, that we put him to sleep. I agreed and she took me in to be with him while they euthanized him. He was lightly sedated when I went in, but he was awake, and he knew as soon as I walked in the door. He tried to lift his head to see me, and his tail wagged ever so slightly. Ivo was a great work dog. He was a great dog to travel with on the plane as he was very calm and just plopped down in the floor under the seat in front of me and relaxed. Aside from working with me in South Florida, Ivo flew with me to Long Beach California, Seattle Washington, Dallas Texas, Atlanta Georgia, and to the Bahamas a couple of times. --------------------------Some emails from friends and co-workers------------------------------ For the second time in one week, it is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of another long-time service dog. Today, while on his way to the Port of Miami for a search, Miami supervisor, Greg Bowser, noticed that his K9 partner Ivo seemed to be in discomfort. Because Greg was concerned that Ivo might be suffering from bloat, he arranged for another handler to cover the job so he could take his partner to veterinarian. Upon examination, it was determined by the vet that Ivo was bleeding internally from what appeared to be a ruptured tumor. After considering all the options, and on the advice of the vet, Greg made the difficult decision to end the suffering of the K9 partner he had loved and lived with for so many years. K9 Ivo was put to sleep. This has been a difficult week for us, and even more so for our handlers that lost their partners. Rest in peace, Ivo. Ron ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am truly sorry for your loss as I know what you are going through. Some may never experience that special bond and partnership that is created between a service dog and a handler. Cherish the great times you both had as Ivo will always live in our memories. Oscar. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The loss of a friend and partner is always hard to phathom. One will always say that "we did not do" or "we should have done". This is the time to reflect on the good things "our" partners" had done. Such as securing and saving countless lives. Working in conditions that humans would otherwise turn away. And do so without question. Being a friend morewith a closeness that only we can observe and interact with. No matter what we do, there is no way to not get attached to our four legged friends. After all we are human! My condolences to you my friend. His unique personality and traits observed by me as well as the friendship developed will be missed. It was an honor participating in ivo's life. Edward ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today our hearts hang heavy with the loss of our friend and partner Ivo, may you rest in peace dear friend I shall remember you always.....You will not be forgotten my friend and partner. Ernesto M. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh Greg, Chuck and I really feel bad about Ivo. Such a great dog. You have our deepest sympathies, for it is a different kind of relationship that a handler and K-9 have and not very many get to enjoy that working relationship. God Bless You. Nan and Chuck. Please also visit Hero.

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Ivo's People Parent(s), Greg, would appreciate knowing you have visited their Baby's Residency. Click here to Email Greg a message, or to send a sympathy card click here. Email this page to a friend. Give a gift renewal of Ivo's residency.

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