Salute to a brave dog called Blade

Blade – the police dog who beat cancer, a pitchfork attack and more than 1000 criminals – has died in his owner's arms.

Since 2007 Blade has been retired, living as a family pet with his handler, Senior Constable Matt Fage from the Wellington police dog section.

Mr Fage said 12-year-old Blade died in his arms early on Tuesday morning. The death, from old age, was "devastating".

"He was a super-loved working partner. He gave 100 per cent at everything and just kept on going." MORE>>