Settle wrote on Jan 14, 2008 8:51 PM:Good boy Stryker!!!!!! RIP

Nice job wrote on Jan 14, 2008 10:22 PM:I'm glad the other handlers were able to come down and share this ceremony. Hope it leads to some closure for all.

Lisa wrote on Jan 14, 2008 10:40 PM:You are a true Hero Stryker. Your K9 hnadler had a wonderful partner.

Please, let us know where donations can be made for the Oceanside K9 force. Thank you.

mcd wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:30 AM:Yet another EOW for yet another Brave OPD Cop ---- God Bless all of you and keep you safe as you keep us safe.

K-044 wrote on Jan 15, 2008 3:55 AM:Good job KS. You and SDSO Sgt. Settles were by far the standout speakers during the memorial service. It was a great way to put a great dog to rest.

And last but not least KS, always remeber, that there is no better place to bury a good dog than in the heart of his master.

Peace & Love
K-044

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:39 AM:Did Cory Byron have a gun or other weapon? How did the dog save an officer's life? Was a life threatened? I know how frightening a dog attack can be, I've been knocked down in the streets of Vista by two different dogs in my neighborhood. My Grandson was mauled by a dog in Pennsylvania (hundreds of stitiches). I'm sure Cory was just as afraid as I was and looked for escape. The news seems biased. I'm sure the dog was a good one but he was trained to do one thing and couldn't think for himself to let go. If a person is suicidal you don't let a dog go on him, but officers couldn't have known because they had only been chasing him for 30 miles, not talking to him. How much talk went on when they stopped on the bridge before the dog was sent to grab his prey? Just questions that need to be answered.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:46 AM:What a waste of tax money for all those officers to come down here. It’s a waste of time, gas and their vehicles wear and tear. It was just a trained DOG. These people need to get over it. That’s what they are trained for. Just train another one and move on.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:49 AM:"a police dog is a partner, not a pet or a piece of equipment" is this how they felt when they where complaining they wanted more overtime pay for having to take care of these so called partners? Isn't their a current lawsuit on this subject?

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:16 AM:RIP Stryker. ...

To bad wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:34 AM:a good Cop gone.
Maybe someone can answer. The suspect was in the middle of the bridge surrounded. Why would you turn Stryker loose on him. Seems a taser would have been better. I can't imagine anyone expected him to jump and if so oh well. It just seems Stryker was placed in jeopardy unnecessarily.

DJ wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:52 AM:Excellent job, Stryker! You served up your heart and we will all cherish your unselfishness. Thank you, Officer Sadler, for mentoring an outstanding fellow officer. Well done! We DO NOT forget!

What religion was Stryker? wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:09 AM:I mean, which heaven is he in? Or did he even make it heaven at all? (If there is a doggie heaven, it stands to reason that there would be a doggie hell--- with a special level devoted just for Pit Bulls.) Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs go to heaven, and the jury is still out on if they have souls.

jack wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:17 AM:You can't have something like this without the haters chiming in. ... And that's the way it is. I would have been so proud to have been one of you present. Some of the proudest moments in my life have been while wearing a badge.

Jaque wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:21 AM:Really, this officer crying at a "service" for a police dog? Having a "service" with the posed picture of the dog for every local news agency to see and subsequently paste our 6pm news with? Gimme a break. Only in America.

peewee wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:31 AM:Too bad our fallen troops don't get this much attention.

Oh Boy wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:33 AM:My gosh have we ever lost it as a society. PEOPLE die every day who have done many, many brave things in their lives, and nobody even cares. But a DOG pushes a guy over off a bridge and we treat it like it is some kind of war hero. Child molesters walk free, but someone involved in dog fighting goes to prison. You can kill someone driving drunk and get probation, kill a dog and you go to jail. Absolutely unbelievable! RIP Stryker. If only you knew you were as important as people. Maybe you could have run for president.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:39 AM:I see pony anti cop esteban beat me to the punch. I told NCT not to post his anti cop rants, but they don't listen. Also, they censored my comment. I said much more than RIP Stryker. I guess NCT like s the gutless imposter esteban better than me.

Crazy wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:56 AM:Just another example of cops closing ranks, taking the stance that it is "them" against the rest of society. I doubt that the loss of a guide dog for the blind would get half the consideration that Stryker has, but it always seems that law enforcement's losses cannot be held equal to those of the public they serve.

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 9:53 AM:Too Bad, I'm with you. Maybe the life they could have saved would have been the dog's life, if things were handled differently. DJ said, WE NEVER FORGET, are you an officer of the law. I thought officers rendered tickets and protected the public and did not make guilty or innocent verdicts along the way, that's what we have judges for. Also, I'm worried about officers assuming that the public is "the bad guy", couldn't officers be bad also if they are in a rotton mood or mad a someone? Do we know the alcohol level that Cory Byron had?

Deneen wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:05 AM:The bottom line is that a beautiful and loyal dog lost his life that night!! Why post comments about what religion he is and is there a dog heaven. Some people are using this area to ramble on about being attacked by dogs and make fun of having a memorial service for a dog. As a person who myself is mourning the loss of my Belgian Malinois, I can tell you that it does not matter what form it comes in, a best friend or partner is just that, human or not!! I have never grieved the loss of any human the way I have mourned the loss of my best friend, Donovan! I guess it is not everybody that is lucky enough to really know the love and companionship of an animal. Even if you don't understand it or agree, can't you honor and respect the loss anyway? Some humans do not deserve the love and respect that a dog does!!

Just a correction. wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:25 AM:1.) Exactly how does a DOG get sworn in?Does he raise his right paw or give a blood oath? 2.) Having lived in Belgium for over 15 years it would be nice if they got the name of the breed correct. It not Belgian Malinois this is incorrect... Belgium is FLEMISH not French nor as americans incorrectly call the region the "Netherlands" refering to Holland and Belgium as ONE country. The dogs originate from the town Mechallum. Which is in the northern region of Belgium not the souther where they predominantly and incorrectly speak French. FLEMISH is the national language! The dogs should be called as they correctly are in Belgium and not just because the AKC is biased to the French. You ask for a Belgian Malinois in Belgium and they consider it an insult. Mechallum is the correct name.

Hey Deneen--- wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:26 AM:I love animals, I really do. When the time comes that I lose my pet, of course I'll be sad. But there won't be any memorial service for the pet. Truth be told, if I were faced with either starving to death, or eating my animal, I'd cook the animal up in a minute. They are just animals. Yes, they are cute. Yes, they can serve a purpose. Yes, they can display limited affection.... BUT THEY ARE NOT HUMAN. Quit trying to treat them as such. If you've never greived the loss of any human the way you have your dog, then you probibly should evaluate why that is. ... Animals are fine and dandy, but they are not supposed to be replacements for human contact. ... I am not trying to diminish your feelings, I am just trying to show you the bigger picture here. And yes, I agree with the poster who mentioned that we don't see our fallen armed men and woman ge this sort of treatent. THAT is the big picture.

A sigh of relief. wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:27 AM:Criminals breath easier now that the most productive officer human or dog on OPD is now laid to rest. From the stats he put up he should have been wearing a hat and driving the car!!!

Just A Thought... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:40 AM:For those of you who are complaining about all the tax payer money this is causing, which is none- there is a special section of the Penal Code which stipulates that anyone convicted of killing a police dog has to pay restitution to the department- Guess your tax problem is solved. Can you find another argument for your hate now?

Karl wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:47 AM:I have had pets my entire life and have benefitted from the unconditional love a pet gives. But for the life of me I cannot understand the intense publicity and reaction the death of this one dog has created. If all of you love animals so much how about some volunteer time at an animal shelter or better yet adopt one that is on "death row". I adopted my last cat from "death row" and that is the only way I will get pets in the future.

Deneen wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:53 AM:I see the big picture and from what I see, most people treat animals just as you said, they are cute and serve a purpose. I do not agree with that and that is my opinion. I personally would not eat my pet if I was starving! I have a bumper sticker that says it all, "HUMANS ARE NOT THE ONLY CREATURES ON EARTH, WE JUST THINK WE ARE!" People are fine and dandy too, but everyday we see evidence that they can also be horrible and evil to each other. You have your opinion too, all I am saying is that it is rude and insensitive to diminish what has happened and how they choose to honor Stryker!! I am not the only person who loves and mourns the loss of an animal companion this way. Many people consider their pets as family members and treat them as such.

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:00 AM:Got my dog and precious member of my family at the pound, love her but no funeral in her future either.

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:06 AM:Got my dog and precious member of my family at the pound, love her but no funeral in her future either. I don't ramble on.

Hey Deenen wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:10 AM:Perhaps if the censors didn't botch up my comment by unnesscsary editing you would have gotten the "bigger picture", and you would not get the impression that I am being rude and insensitive. I never said I WANTED to eat my animal, I just said if FORCED to do so I would. But hey, the censors don't allow thiese blogs to be a free-for-all, so I guess confusuion is bound to happen, especially when one what one writes is heavily editied for no apparent reason. (No cuss words here. uh huh.)

Linda to People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:14 AM:To People Lover, Your grandson could receive a lot more than hundreds of stitches if he had been killed by a drunk driver. I'm sorry about his attack and yours; obviously they weren't by a trained dog. I can understand why you are biased, but we are lucky to have the trained dogs as part of our police force. And we (you included) should be thankful that a human wasn't killed by Cory's drunk driving. He was stopped that night before he could take a human life. My friends' life could have been saved 2 years ago if THAT drunk driver had been stopped before driving home from a bar. Oceanside Police, Thank you for being there. God bless you and I am so sorry for your loss.

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:23 AM:Thanks Linda but any attack trained for otherwise is frightening. Bars over serving is the worst, don't you think they should be trained? or fined? or closed down if they do that. I do. Was your friend in the car with the drunk driver or in another car? Don't have sympathy for people who ride with a drinking person, they should stop them from driving. How fast did Cory go? What was his blood alcohol level? Where was he drinking? Lots of questions but no answers so far.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:45 AM:Byron is the real chump here...don't forget that.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:47 AM:To the "real" esteban: I knew that wasn't you on the first esteban comments. At first I thought you'd lost your mind, then I figured it was an idiot like the one who used to comment using my blog name. AW4

Linda to People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:53 AM:My friend was broadsided by the drunk driver. It still brings tears to my eyes and I have no sympathy for those who leave bars, parties or wherever if they are drunk. Yes, you are right...bars should be "trained"; some are, but not enough. Friends need to step up and take the keys from the drinker. Again, you are right...I'm sure attacks of any kind are frightening... Again, a human life may have been saved that night.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:57 AM:Why do humans go to funerals for someone they don't know or never met? It's called respect. Police dogs love their 'partners' and have given their lives for them. In effect, honoring Stryker is honoring his partner and showing respect for both. RIP Stryker. Ignore the selfishness of some humans.

what a pose! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:09 PM:that dog posed better for the photo than my kids at Sears!

K-9 cops wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:12 PM:K-9 Cops are like dudes with huge jacked up trucks. ... Just wondering by the way. Where is the Memorial for the thousands of Marines and Soldiers who die every day who are part of Oceanside and without their tax dollars they wouldn't be able to afford their nifty toys and dogs and tasers?

People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:14 PM:Linda, you definitely have my sympathy, you have no idea. However, I think maybe Cory drove a lot further than normal on that night and maybe was more reckless being persued, I don't know, wasn't there but if you have any answers to the questions I have asked, please post them. Maybe none of this has come out yet, we may just have to wait for the trial.

Oh Lord! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:29 PM:This is too funny! Thank God the silly event is over! Itr was an incredible waste of time, money and resources to go to such an extreme! Tax dollars were definately wasted ...! OPD is an extremist group it seems and needs more oversight! Please tell me NO CITY LEADERS attended this wretched event!

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:33 PM:AW4...yes!!! We are victims of identity theft!!!!! If the blog is anti cop, anti military...then it is not me. I support law enforcement and the troops 100% and I hate liberals.

Linda to People Lover wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:41 PM:No answers, yet, but I know there are no winners in this story. Thank you for your sympathy; you have mine as well.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 1:12 PM:To "Oh Lord"...cite examples please on how OPD is an extremist group.....waiting....waiting.

to AW4 and esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 1:23 PM:how many funerals for the troops have you been to? Your false patriotism is sickening.

yoda wrote on Jan 15, 2008 1:24 PM:To Oh Lord! Next time you get in trouble call a liberal hippy to help you.

OCSA wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:22 PM:I like how everyone has an opinion on what the officers "should" have done. Its real easy to quarterback from your couch. These are the same people who say "Why didn't they just shoot the gun out of his hand?"

dkamsettle wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:23 PM:Let OPD honor Stryker any way they see fit. I support them 100 percent and find it almost comical that any of the naysayers out there would say otherwise. Have any of them ever gone on a ride along with those cops? Of course not. Too busy staying at home in the comfort of their own bed while they are out protecting our streets. They surely don't need to answer your petty questions. They report their facts to the DA and that is it. They owe you no explanations! RIP STRYKER!

dkamsettle wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:24 PM:You got that right OCSA. It's kind of scary that there are so many people out there living in fairy tale land.

Are you kidding me? wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:28 PM:enough is enough! I understand the dog was loved and all that good stuff. Why don't they make such a big deal when an innocent child is killed. i want to hear more about their lives.

esteban wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:47 PM:When a child is killed...the family DOES make a "big deal" out of it. All cops were Strykers family so shut it. If I told you how many troop funerals I've been to, would it change your opinion on me?

Hear come the clowns! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:49 PM:The voices of those who must throw someone else down to justify their own argument! For those who have served and loose their life or are injured, of course they are worthy of a service like this. They get it to. Also those who have animals, it is how you conduct your own life that is the measure of your character. No one is stopping anyone from doing or putting together a memorial like this for you loved ones. Go do it and stop complaining. Or try to chime in and comment on something you have no creditability in speaking about! You are all showing your own narcissi and selfish traits.

Actions speak louder! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 3:09 PM:THIS SERVICE WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. EVERYONE WAS INVITED TO ATTEND. IN RESPONSE TO THE COMMENTS MADE BY: Crazy, PARTICULARLY THE REFERENCE of ��cops closing ranks, OR it always seems that law enforcement's losses cannot be held equal to those of the public they serve.� WELL, IT IS LIKE THIS! WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH A BACKGROUND CHECK UNMATCHED BY ANY; WE HAVE TO HAVE A SPOTLESS RECORD, MEDICALLY, CRIMINALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND HAVE TO GO INTO HARMS WAY. WE ARE ALWAYS IN A SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE! ... I SAY, COME JOIN US AND STOP THE ENVY! IT�S PATHETIC! WE AREN'T PERFECT, JUST CHOSEN! FROM THE RANK AND FILE OF SOCIETY AND WE LIKE TO THINK THE BEST SOCIETY HAS TO OFFER. WE ALSO HAVE AN ETHOS! ONE THAT MANY IN SOCIETY HAVE AS WELL! AN ETHOS OF HONOR, CHARACTER, AND SERVICE! THAT IS WHAT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE WAS FOR. IT WAS AS MUCH FOR THE COMMUNITY AS IT WAS FOR US! ... GROW UP, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, GET AN EDUCATION AND MAYBE YOU CAN BE ONE OF US! THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE CHOSEN! SIGNED CHOWDA!

Funny so many people are worried about what the other guy is doing! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 3:11 PM:get a life! So they want a service for a do. Big deal! What's it to any of you! If you don't understand, why ask?

The Police.... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 4:23 PM:are repressive tools of the white elite in the United States. While any needless death is a tragedy, even a dog's, we must remember that the police protect the minority elite from the machinations of the poor majority. Try walking or driving in Rancho Santa Fe while black and you'll see what I mean. Until we abolish the class differences between the owners of capital and the workers, there will always be violence against both sides. Workers Unite! Middle Class citizens join the workers in their struggles!

Please! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:06 PM:Gimme a break, already!!!!!!! Workers Unite!! Ha!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:31 PM:To whoever posted the question at 1:23PM: You couldn't have asked that ridiculous question at a more opportune moment, sadly, because this Saturday my husband and I drove over 400 miles for his dad's funeral. His Dad had served in the Navy. And, since I'm sure you'd like to know, the funeral was beautiful. Military honors with "Old Glory" recited, folding of the American flag, Taps, the National Anthem, and a very respectful Navy officer presented the flag to my Mother in Law and shook our hands. That was actually the only miltary funeral I've ever attended. Sorry to disappoint you but I just don't go through the papers every day and seek them out. Do you? Since you seem to judge one's patriotism by how many military funerals they attend, I suppose you consider the members of the Westboro Baptist Church as patriotic. No wonder you wouldn't use a blog name. Shame on you.

What ashame..... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:42 PM:People please, if this dog save your live from somebody trying to murder,rape,carjack, or any other crime that could put your live a risk and the dog died while saving your live, would all these emails be flying? The dog was a police office just happened to have four paws a tail and a wet nose. If Striker died while saving somebodys live I bet there would be more nice things said. Please be nice

SEAN C. wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:55 PM:I`m sure in hindsight Strykers handler realizes he made a mistake sending the dog after a potentially suicidal suspect. Reading from the UT I found out the suspect was awarded a medal of honor for potentially saving a childs life with disregard for his own safety during an airshow. The suspect actually is a dog lover. The suspect had an accident back in the 90`s and has had severe depression issues ever since. May stryker rest in peace

K9er wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:58 PM:Hey Na sayer's don't hate, That "dog" as you put it had more gut's in his paw than any of you. Get a life, stop hateing on the police, if you have what it takes then join up. Stryker was way more than a dog, he was one of us..hell he is us, a part of Oceanside and all that make us a Great City. Get over yourself, grow up and know this.. Be glad that you were not doing dirt on the night's that he worked, that would have given you something to cry about..
And his name was "Stryker #K046" a member of the Oceanside Police Department. By the way "Mr. Esteban" the tax payer's did not pay for this service.

Very Sad wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:03 PM:What a beautiful police dog! My family and I just lost one of the best dog's after 14 years. It is nice to see that other people care about their dog's as much as we do. RIP Stryker!

What ashame..... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:16 PM: I am sorry I misspelled Stryker's name. I have been in the animal welfare business for over 20 years and truly respect the K9 units. RIP Stryker you have now went over the rainbow bridge. God Bless you and all the K9 dogs, and the police officers that put their lives at risk while we are all at home resting in our easy chairs. THANK YOU.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:37 PM:To K9er: The Mr. Esteban you commented to was a phony one. Someone has used my blog name many times to misrepresent me because I support the troops. They did it to esteban on this one. AW4.

Tool of the Police..... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:09 PM:The capitalist system turns even innocent animals into tools of oppression. This tragedy illustrates the pernicious character of the political/economic hegemony installed by the cultural elites. Workers and their middle-class allies must unite and assume control of the means of production and governmental agencies. Once in control, the workers can create a true nation for the people.

Stykers's in dog heaven.... wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:10 PM:where he gets all the treats he can eat and the roads are lined with fire hydrants.

to:AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:15 PM:My condolences for the loss of your father-in-law.

petpal wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:53 PM:Unfortunately this forum has allowed [people] to make a mockery out of such a loss. Loss of life is still loss of life, Stryker was one of God's creatures. May you never need the assistance of a police dog, maybe if you did you wouldn't be so heartless and appreciate their role. RIP Stryker we loved you!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:07 PM:To 8:15PM: Thanks. He was a good guy, and he loved dogs. AW4.

esteban wrote on Jan 16, 2008 7:41 AM:Thanks AW4...good lookin out!!!!! Also my condolences to your father in law. And Tool of the Police is a tool, but it's entertaining. I thought Marx died years agao.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:37 AM:To esteban: Yeah! I got tickled at the "tools of oppression" part. I think that if the dog feels 'oppressed', it's going to take a bite out of the oppressor. I've heard for years that dogs don't think. All that proves to me is that "humans' don't think. Thank you for the condolences; along with the other blogger. I didn't mean to make this about that but, the 'nameless' one opened the door. Another blogger mentioned Stryker's pose in the photo. I noticed it too. Stryker was a beautiful animal and I don't think his partner should have any regrets. Stryker knew he was loved and appreciated. He saw it in the eyes and heard it in his partner's voice every day. Even with family members we don't always get to tell them but they know it in their hearts.

Adriana wrote on Jan 16, 2008 12:16 PM:Stryker always in our hearts

I am answering that person who wrote “For a dog?” I can not believe that a person could be so selfish and heartless. That dog gave his life not only to protect you but to protect all of us citizens. Find your heart because you lost it.

USMC369 wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:04 PM:Rest in peace Stryker. I'm glad they had a memorial service for you. I think this offered closure to your handler and so many others. We will miss you, Stryker and thank you for your service. You are a hero.

Amanda wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:15 PM:Rest in peace Stryker. I'm glad they had a memorial service for you. I think this offered closure to your handler and so many others. We will miss you, Stryker and thank you for your service. You are a hero.

esteban wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:18 PM:Attention anti cop naysayers...your views are just plain wrong and idiotic. Thanks.

esteban wrote on Jan 19, 2008 10:17 AM:I love how I got the last word in.

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Jan 20, 2008 8:08 PM:Not to belittle Stryker the police dog, but I bet the North County Times will have 5 times the coverage, than the slain Border patrol Agent Luis Aguilar.

patti wrote on Jan 21, 2008 2:23 PM:This is so sad. This Dog was doing his job,what he was trained to do. ANd that is to protect the officers and the Public. This Menace(corey)caused this.Had he stopped when the blue lights came, stryker would still be here protecting.I would like to see the criminal charged as a murderer.
Rest in Peace Stryker.you will always be remembered.

renee wrote on Jan 24, 2008 12:20 PM:The reason for a service is not for the dog, but for the officers. The dog is sadly gone but they must be able to go back to work right away and need to deal with this loss quickly and get back to normal duty. Each person grieves differently, some for only humans, some for animals, and some for both. The officers worked with this dog daily and Stryker gave his all for them everyone one of those days. Our officers deal with difficult things every day to protect and serve--let them grieve if they need to and I won't bother you when you are grieving. Personally, I adopted a Malinois from the military and I respect her for all she has done to protect our troops (explosive detection). She never asked to be in danger every day but was put there by humans and served us. I believe she should be respected and loved for her gift to us.

Miriam wrote on Jan 26, 2008 10:41 PM:No matter where you stand on the meaning of Stryker's death...one dog, one suspect, and the Oceanside Police department crossed paths one night in a way that makes us all reevaluate what is precious. How do you put a price on life and the freedom to live it? Thank goodness all of you who have responded feel free to express such conflicting and passionate views. America can only be stronger with defining events such as this. Personally, I'm deeply moved by Stryker's sacrifice of life and Officer Sandler's loss. Thank you for going out there to "get the bad guys."

usmccop wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:05 AM:As an mp I worked on camp pendleton with some of the k-9's. I never felt more safe than when I was around one of them. For the people that do not care or talk bad about the use of this animal partner, they have probably never been in a situation like this to get a perspective on it. For the guy that said our troops don't get this much attention, that's not true. I have many friends that have died while serving and they were sent off well remembered and with grand ceremony. As a former mp myself I can say this dog is a hero. He did what was asked and didn't hesitate. to quote Super Troopers. He's "a cop god damnit, I get the bad guy. It's what I gotta do." rip Stryker

k9 joy wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:11 PM:Stryker did what was he was trained to do. Just like any other officer. He was a decorated k9 worthy of such a memorial service just like any other officer or military person. As for Officer Sadler shedding tears over this dog...That dog was he's partner 24/7/365. Stryker had Sadlers back each and every day on duty and off. A partner is a partner no matter who or what he is. RIP Stryker...

Miriam wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:29 PM:Thank you usmccop for your enlightening and inspirational words regarding K-9 units and the challenges both humans and dogs face together. Your credibility and tact brightens this discussion. Thank you for your service.

Massachusetts K- wrote on May 4, 2008 7:38 AM:You people should be ashamed of yourselves. A police dog is killed and your hate for the police comes out.A waste of money for a tribute to an animal that protected the public. This dog was more of an asset to society than you disturbed people. God bless the officer and his loyal partner Stryker.