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DuPage sheriff's office mourns death of retired police dog

Bella, a long-serving police dog, died on Tuesday following a lengthy illness, the DuPage County sheriff's office announced Thursday.

The bloodhound, who had retired in April, was 12 years old.

She had worked for the sheriff's office for more than 10 years, searching for missing people and criminal suspects.

"She was an incredible dog who was a gentle giant," Deputy Laura Richardson said in a statement. "I could not have asked for a better partner She loved interacting with the kids and was always ready to go when it was time to do a track."

When Bella retired, she got the opportunity to lay out in the sun and play with her replacement, Hope. But in recent months, Bella's health started to deteriorate, officials said.

Sheriff James Mendrick said he was saddened to learn of Bella's passing.

The sheriff's office has three bloodhounds. It also has two German shepherds, a Belgian Malinois and two Labradors. A comfort dog from Lutheran Church Charities also serves on the team.

On the move in DuPage County: Hope

DuPage sheriff bids fond goodbye to longtime search dog Bella

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