K-9 Ogar Receives National Award

SMITH COUNTY — The New York-based American Kennel Club has announced the first “AKC Paw of Courage” medal winners. One of them is Ogar, a Belgian Malinois, who was shot and killed following a January 19th traffic stop in Smith County. Ogar was working for the Precinct 5 constable’s office out of Lindale when he was shot. The suspect, 36 year old Michael Koch of Grand Saline, was later arrested in Dallas. He was indicted by the Smith County Grand Jury last month.

According the American Kennel Club release in announcing the award, “When K9 Ogar was not on duty he was like any other family dog. He loved to run circles around the swimming pool with Deputy Constable Petty’s two young girls. He also enjoyed playing tug of war and catch and was a master escape artist. From the moment he was brought home by his handler, he fit right in with the family. According to his handler, Ogar had mastered the combination of being both soft and strong simultaneously. He loved any attention he could get and in exchange, all he asked for was love. K9 Ogar touched many lives in his time as a K9 officer and he is dearly missed each and every day.”