A veteran search and rescue dog attached to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department has died just hours after completing what would become her final search operation.
Lexi, a nine-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, was found unresponsive inside her enclosure at the department’s station at 6.15am on Friday (Nov 6).
The K9 dog had joined Sabah’s search and rescue unit in 2017 after being brought in from the United Kingdom. Just a day before her death, she had been deployed alongside her handler, Athur Anderson Walter, to help locate a missing person in Kampung Pulutan Membawang near Menggatal.
Completed her final mission without showing signs of illness
Sabah K9 unit chief Calvin Joe Jeafery said Lexi appeared to be in good condition after returning from the operation. She went through her usual post-mission routine, including being washed and fed, without displaying any unusual behaviour or signs of exhaustion.
According to Calvin, Lexi even finished her entire meal before settling down for the night. However, duty personnel discovered her unresponsive during their early morning rounds the following day.
Previously diagnosed with heart disease
Medical records showed that Lexi had been diagnosed with stage-two heart disease and a growth on her gums.
Despite her conditions, she remained under close veterinary supervision and was receiving medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and gastric medicine. The Sabah Veterinary Services Department is now conducting a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of her death.
Remembered for her dedication to rescue missions
Throughout her years of service, Lexi earned recognition for her ability to track missing persons through dense jungles and challenging rural terrain.
Her passing marks the loss of a dedicated member of Sabah’s K9 search and rescue team, who spent years helping rescuers locate people in need.
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