Richland County Sheriff Department dog dies

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said his department was sad to announce the death of K-9 Robby, who had been with the sheriff’s department since 2009.

On Tuesday, Robby was diagnoses with a large inoperable mass in his throat. The decision to put the dog down was made Wednesday, Lott said, in announcing it was time to “say goodbye to an unsung hero.”

Robby was a Belgian Malinois, a breed often mistaken for German Shepard because of similar coloring. He was certified as a bomb sniffing dog but also worked in tracking down suspects and patrol work.

He was partnered with Senior K-9 Specialist Deputy Max Anderson, one of 18 K-9 teams in the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

The Robby-Anderson team worked at many large public events such as USC football games, concerts, Presidential visits, candidate visits. Just last week, the team assisted in capturing a motorcycle theft suspect and home invasion suspect, Lott said.

In lieu of flowers, those wanting to recognize Robby’s passing can make a donation to provide vests to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit in the his name. You can forward your support to the Richland County Sheriff's Foundation, PO Box 1182Columbia, South Carolina 29202.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 5:27 PM.