Dog-gone — but not forgotten.
A beloved NYPD canine cop named after a hero detective who was paralyzed in the line of duty has died after a fight with cancer, police said Thursday. He was 7.
The hardworking Dutch Shepherd — named K9 Steven in honor of late Manhattan Detective Steven McDonald — had partnered with Officer Joe Brayuha for six years to serve “the city and the country,” the NYPD said on Facebook.
“We regret to announce the passing of K9 Steven, named after the late hero Detective Steven McDonald, after a battle with cancer,” the department wrote.
“K9 Steven & his partner, PO Joe Brayuha dedicated their service as a team to the city and country— including 4 deployments with NY Task Force 1.”
The police pooch — who specialized in search and rescue and disaster recovery — was deployed three times to Florida to help with hurricanes along with a building collapse in Miami. He also aided with a hurricane recovery in Louisiana.
K9 Steven — named after a hero NYPD detective — from cancer. NYPD“Steven was just like my father— very happy, and he loved people,” said Lt. Conor Mcdonald, son of the late detective. “My father loved dogs, he always had one growing up. He would’ve loved Steven.”
K9 Steven served New York City and helped with disaster relief in Florida. k9steven_/Iinstagram
The dog worked for six years with Officer Joe Brayuha. k9steven_/IinstagramThe dog had a popular Instagram account showing him practicing commands, playing in the snow and sitting adorably at a desk.
Detective Steven McDonald was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty. David McGlynn for NY PostThe Instagram page frequently paid tribute to McDonald, who died in January 2017 — more than 30 years after he was shot by a teenager while responding to a bicycle theft in Central Park.
McDonald, who also has a street named after him in the park, died of respiratory complications due to his injuries at age 59.
