Rutherford County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputy Michael Romans will miss his partner, bloodhound Cody, who died Monday from a medical condition.

“He was a good working dog,” Deputy Romans said. “He did really well at doing his tracking. In the short time we had him, he had three finds.”  Robert Rickman has the story...

VERBATIM:

K-9 Sgt. Lee Young said Cody bloated from a twisted stomach overnight Sunday and underwent emergency surgery Sunday at Animal Medical Center. He died of complications Monday.

Cody, a 6-year-old bloodhound, joined the K-9 Unit in January and became certified in February. Cody served as a search and rescue dog, counting three finds this year.

Deputy Romans said Cody located a 9-year-old Murfreesboro girl who walked away from home. He also found a 15-year-old suicidal boy hiding in heavy brush in a tree line.

Cody also tracked an intoxicated man who suffered serious injuries in a crash and walked away.  Robert Rickman, WGNS news.

Sheriff Robert Arnold said Cody was instrumental in helping the two children and one adult in his short time as a Sheriff’s Office K-9.

“Cody, as well as our other K-9s who track, sniff out illegal drugs and locate fleeing suspects bring unique skills to the Sheriff’s Office responses,” said Sheriff Arnold.

Deputy Romans also handles bloodhound Ethel. Both Ethel and Cody got along well.

“It’s always great to have two bloodhounds that did well in different areas,” Deputy Romans said. “Cody was good in neighborhoods and Ethel was good in open fields and woods.”

Cody’s remains will be returned to Deputy Romans.

“He will be missed,” Deputy Romans said.