CABOT, Ark. (AP) — A terminally ill police dog received a hero's salute when law enforcement officers gathered in central Arkansas to say their final farewells.

Pajti (PY'-tee) had served as a K-9 officer since 2013 in Lonoke County, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Little Rock. But a few months ago, the dog was diagnosed with bone cancer.

His handler, Deputy Brooks Grabill, tells Little Rock television station KTHV that Pajti's illness advanced rapidly and a veterinarian recommended the dog be euthanized.

“He’s a special dog. He’s worked his way into everyone’s heart,” Grabill told KTHV. “He means a lot to this department and the community.”

Grabill continued: “His personality was to love everyone,” said Grabill. “He loved the attention. He loved being around people, kids. It didn’t matter. As long as he was in the public eye, that was him. That’s where he shined.”

On Wednesday, officers from Lonoke County and surrounding agencies drove in a procession with lights and sirens on to accompany Pajti to the shelter where he would be euthanized.

Over the police scanner, a dispatcher said, "This is Deputy K-9 Pajti's final ride ... Thank you for your service."

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Information from: KTHV-TV, http://www.kthv.com/

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