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State Patrol K9 Sonyi dies from job-related illness

Washington State Patrol K9 officer Sonyi has died after battling a job-related sickness since January.
Credit: WSP

Editor's note: This video originally aired in April 2018

The Washington State Patrol announced the passing of K9 officer Sonyi after months of dealing with a job-related illness.

Sonyi (pronounced Sony) worked the ferry docks in Snohomish County sniffing for explosives, but in January he inhaled something that made him sick. The inhalants caused a bad infection and fluid in his lungs, resulting in several hospital stays.

Trooper Scott Legler was Sonyi's handler for three years, "He's definitely a buddy. He follows you around like a puppy."

But Legler acknowledged the hazards of Sonyi's job, "It's hard to avoid. That's his job. He sniffs constantly."

5-year-old Sonyi had two operations since January and appeared to be improving, with plenty of chicken treats and TLC.

But the Washington State Patrol said Sonyi succumbed to his illness Wednesday night, with Trooper Legler by his side.

"We are mourning the loss of a great WSP officer and an even better friend," Washington State Patrol tweeted Thursday.

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