 |
|
April 04, 2006
K9 Stazzo’s Passing
I never had any thoughts of writing anything like this for Stazzo in the near future, however, it is my unfortunate position to tell people that Stazzo died in a freak accident on April 1, 2006. The specifics are not important, the only thing to know is that we lost a tremendous canine and loyal partner. My family, Sgt. Tim Albright and his family, and all of our SSD Handlers are all very upset at the sudden and tragic loss. Stazzo had retired in January of this year and had been living the “good life” for the past six weeks. Thanks to our supporters, the SSDK9 Association will be holding a burial ceremony for Stazzo as he is laid to rest at the Garden of Valor at the East Lawn Cemetery in Orangevale. Stazzo will be laid next to many of his old four legged SSD partners and other Law Enforcement Canines who have unselfishly served the citizens of Sacramento County and surrounding jurisdictions.
In the end, you realize you can learn a lot from a dog like Stazzo – There are moments to be taken seriously in life, but the rest of the time it’s all just a game and good time. Stazzo, I look forward to throwing the Kong for you again in another time and place. Rest In Peace, my friend.
11/7/99 – 4/1/06 
Visitor comments
"Ian,Even though I talked to you directly, I wanted to leave a short note on behalf of Moose and I. I had the privilage of being Stazzo's chew toy on several occasions, both for you and Sgt. Albright. My first encounter with the Stazz was when Sgt. Albright was getting ready for certification. We needed a vounteer to stand in front of Stazzo with no equipment for a call off. Don't worry they said, we have the rest of the handlers here to distract him, should he miss the call off command. Oh, what a great idea I thought...that'll work!!! Guess I had been out in the sun too long. Stazzo was sent, worked through all of the distraction as if it didn't exist, to his target (me) and held me against the fence - never biting me though. I have yet to see another dog with that degree of focus, concentration and drive he displayed working through that. So, I blamed that momentary laps in judgement on the sun. Dep. Albright gets promoted (congrats) and Dep. Carver is now handling Stazzo. And of course, needs someone to hide for Stazz. Except now, it is a nice, cool, little breezy Sacramento evening. HaHa...I am thinking clearly now. I don't need any stinking equipment. We are in a corp yard that is full of places to hide that a dog can't get to me. Hmmmm....I spot a huge, full size dump truck. It is full to the brim and then some, of branches and all sorts of landscapping stuff. Hey the perfect spot...right? It's way up there, (at least 12 feet off the ground) gotta little breeze going so odor will probably carry off and pool somewhere close by. Stazz will probably alert on that, Ian will work him a little closer to source so he can get the 'high find', he'll be a good boy and all is well. Now remember, I haven't been out in the sun and I am thinking clearly!! No freakin way is this dog going to get to me. WRONG....I watch him from my perch way up on the dump truck, working the odor, circling the truck...working it ....working it....and HEY....Stazzo is up on top of the dump truck with me....but I thought this thru....no freakin way could he get up here. I checked, double checked...concidered every possibility from every side....no freakin way. Yet here we were. Thankfully, Stazzo was responsive to Ian and all ended well...for me at least. So I thought I had covered all possibilities, which I had, except for one. The lesson I had learned the first time I stood in front of him. Stazzo had a focus, a concentration and a drive unlike most K9's. When Stazzo retired, it was a huge loss to our K9 detail, to law enforcement and to the good citizens of our community. Sgt. Albright and family, Dep. Carver and family, I am so very sorry for the personal loss you must also now endure. Thanks for the many memories.... Beamer & Moose" ->By G. Beamer and Hunter (former) K9-12 on April 18, 2006 - 12:04
"Dear Sir I have a question about your partner I had a partner that was identical looking to yours . I wandered where you got the dog from? I wandered if they were brothers ? If you could tell me where you got him please email me at justice32@bellsouth.net Im very sorry for your loss!!!!" ->By Rich on April 11, 2006 - 09:04
"Dear Ian, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.We know that Stazzo is in Dogsheaven and watch over you. Best Wishes, Gijs and Corneke the Netherlands www.phv-debedrijfshond.nl" ->By Gijs and Corneke on April 10, 2006 - 04:04
"Ian,Sorry to hear about Stazzo. He'll be missed. It was always entertaining to be in the bite suit. But maybe it was a blessing that you changed Renz' name to RENZO. To have RENZO carry on part of Stazzo's name. Sorry to hear about the "Stazz." R.I.P. Brother Stazzo" ->By Pom Pom on April 08, 2006 - 07:04
"I am so sorry to hear about Stazzo it makes me wnat to hold my own dog and do everything in my power to protect her."
->By Heather on April 06, 2006 - 05:04
"Becky and I are really sorry about Stazzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Tim Albright's families."
->By Darrell Amos #445 on April 05, 2006 - 07:04
"I just wanted to thank you Stazzo! Thank you for making sure my husband and best friend made it home safely every night. You made it so I could sleep a little better at night knowing you were the one watching out for Ian. I could never see you as a fighter; I guess that was because I knew you as the lazy housedog on your days off. Although I heard all the amazing stories! You were a wonderful family dog. I will miss the trips to the river with you and Max. I will always remember you and keep you in my heart forever. - Allison Carver"
->By Allison Carver on April 05, 2006 - 07:04
"I've been a dog handler in the army for about seven years and have lost 2 partners (one to bloat, one to tumors) and know exactly how you must feel. My heart goes out to you and I am truly sorry for your loss. Just remember, don't try to look at your new dog with the same expectations you did for Stazzo. Good luck, fellow CF'er!Andrew" ->By Andrew on April 05, 2006 - 03:04
"Ian my thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who cared for and loved Stazzo. This is the hardest part of being a dog handler, but you have the memories for a life time. To all handlers cherish every day with your partner as if it were your last.Stay Safe" ->By Andy Herrera /WSPCA Pres. on April 05, 2006 - 08:04
"Ian,Another CF'er here. You obviously lost a good buddy but you've honored his service by sharing this story with so many. Thanks, Chuck P.S. - I printed out your quote and posted it on the wall in my office. Truly words to live by." ->By Chuck B on April 05, 2006 - 07:04
"Also read about you and Stazzo on CrossFit. My thoughts are with you and I'm sure Stazzo is in a better place. Thanks to both you and Stazzo for bravely serving to keep us safe.God Bless! -Jacob Tsypkin" ->By Jacob Tsypkin on April 05, 2006 - 07:04
"Ian,I read about you and Stazzo on Crossfit. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sgt Albright, and your families. What a wonderful gift it is to have shared time with such a great canine friend. I hope that soon your pain will fade and you will have only happy memories of your friend and partner. Thanks as well for sharing your story. "There are moments to be taken seriously in life, but the rest of the time it’s all just a game and good time." That says it all. Best wishes, John Seiler" ->By John Seiler on April 04, 2006 - 06:04
Send To A Friend
|
I cannot say more good things about Stazzo that would not take up pages of text. He was good at everything he did, even being a pain in the butt some days! Stazzo went into every situation asked of him without fear or hesitation. He was my first canine partner and has a special place in my life. Sgt. Albright feels the same way about the time he spent with Stazzo.
|
|
|
     |
Disclaimer: This is NOT an official Sacramento County Sheriff's Department website. Any opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. © 2005 - 2006 SSDK9.com