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CPD Say Goodbye To Retired CTA Canine 'Bob'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Wednesday marked a a sad day for the Chicago Police canine handlers.

One of their own canine partners had to be euthanized. WBBM's Steve Miller reports.

The black lab's name was Bob. A girl - Bob, named when she was getting trained in Texas.

She was only 7-years-old and had been suffering from a brain tumor.

Her partner was Chicago Police Officer Michael Walter, an explosive detection canine handler.

"What she could do," Officer Walter said. "What she could do with her nose. How easily she could find stuff. And just training with her was an extremely rewarding experience."

Then just over a year ago, Bob began having trouble finding things. That is when the team learned she had a tumor.

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Fellow canine officers salute Office Walter and Bob (WBBM/Steve Miller)

"She was a great girl, a great dog," Officer Walter said. "And she's been my best friend for a long time."

Members of the Chicago Police Department held a procession on Wednesday to honor Bob. Officers lined the streets from the 7000 block of West Summerdale to Niles Animal Hospital. Other canine handlers gathered at the veterinary clinic, saluting Bob and Officer Walter.

"It's time for her to pass over that 'rainbow bridge' and move on," Officer Walter said.

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Officer Walter says one final goodbye to Bob at the vet (WBBM/Steve Miller)
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