Air force bids military dog heartwarming final goodbye outside vet clinic

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - Military working dogs and their handlers stood outside a Delaware veterinary clinic in an emotional farewell for one very good boy.

As reported in an article from Dover Air Force Base, Rico served eight years in the miliary before he was diagnosed with canine degenerative myelopathy. The past few months had been hard on the German shepherd's health and it was decided that it was time to lay him to rest. 

In an emotional and intimate farewell, Rico was carried into the veterinary clinic by his former handler, retired Tech. Sgt. Jason Spangenberg, as members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron lined up in a final salute for the brave dog. 

Thank you for your service, Rico.