Cancer claims Deschutes SO drug K-9 ‘Missy’

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday “with deep regret” that drug-detection Deputy K-9 Missy, an 11-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever with an impressive record, passed away on Friday.

Missy was diagnosed with a fast-moving cancer two short weeks ago that eventually took her life, the agency said.

Missy served the citizens of Deschutes County for over a decade as a Narcotic Detection K-9 searching schools, cars, buildings, areas, jails and parcels as needed.

Missy had over 1,500 deployments in her career while assisting local, state and federal agencies.

She also had the distinction of being responsible for the detection of 35 pounds of methamphetamine during an investigation in Madras. That investigation still stands as the single largest methamphetamine seizure ever from the Central Oregon region.

Missy had earned several awards in the K-9 Police trials over the years and was passionate licker of faces to all she met. She was well known for her large floppy ears.

Missy was trained to search for the odor of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

During her shortened career, she located just over $2.5 million worth of controlled substances and almost $200,000.00 in U.S. currency, along with over 5,500 abused pharmaceutical pills.

“These listed controlled substances will never poison our families, thanks to her unrelenting dedication and hard work.,” the department said.

Missy has left behind her handler of 10 years, Deputy Kyle Joye and his family, the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Deschutes County.

“Thank You Missy for your service,” the sheriff’s office said.

Read more about the sheriff’s office K-9 unit at their Website.