Ohio's first law enforcement therapy dog dies at 7 years old

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The first law enforcement therapy dog in Ohio's history who was "gentle and steadfast" has died at 7 years old.

Mattis K. Nine died from end-stage liver failure, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office announced Friday. The dog's handler was Deputy Darrah Metz, who the sheriff's office said was devastated by the loss.

"Together, they worked tirelessly to bring comfort to victims of crime, first responders, and members of the community during times of need," the sheriff's office wrote.

The sheriff's therapy K9 program started in 2017, with Mattis providing support to countless individuals during his life. In addition to being the State of Ohio's first law enforcement therapy dog, he was also just the sixth in the U.S.

There will be a memorial service in honor of Mattis, but the sheriff's office said it had not finalized the details as of Friday evening.

"He will be deeply missed but never forgotten," the sheriff's office posted.