Mac, the Denville Police Department’s therapy K9, has died after being diagnosed with cancer, Denville Police PBA 142 announced.
The PBA said the difficult decision was made to let Mac rest peacefully following the diagnosis. He died at 2:35 p.m. surrounded by the Denville Police officers who worked with him.
Mac’s path to the department started at the Denville Animal Shelter. He arrived there as an owner surrender, badly injured and in need of surgery to repair his leg. Once he healed, he began formal training toward therapy dog certification before taking on the role of department therapy K9.
Therapy K9s do not run patrol, narcotics, or tracking assignments. Their work is comfort. The PBA said Mac supported Denville Police officers after difficult calls, spent time with residents at community events, and brightened days simply by showing up.
“Mac was far more than a therapy dog,” the PBA wrote in its announcement. “He was a source of comfort, compassion, and unconditional love.”
The PBA said Mac will always be a member of the Denville Police family, and that his memory will keep reflecting the kindness and comfort he brought to the people around him.
The announcement was shared on the PBA’s social media accounts, where Denville residents have been posting tributes to Mac.
