The sheriff and his dog died on the same day
The world’s smallest police dog has passed away just hours after her owner, County Sheriff Dan McClelland, died of cancer.
Midge was a chihuahua-rat terrier cross who had served for 10 years with the Geauga County force alongside her owner McClelland before the pair both retired in 2016. McClelland was a sheriff for 13 years, and retired having served 44 years with the force.
Midge entered the Guinness World Records in 2006 as the smallest police dog in the world when she joined the police. She was involved in drug raids and her size proved a real strength as she was able to search places that her larger canine counterparts may have struggled to, such as underneath vehicles. The tiny crime fighter would also be able to search vehicles and locations without tearing up upholstery or leaving a mess everywhere.
Midge became a minor celebrity in the area, often being remembered more than her owner, who was 67 when he passed away in hospital on Wednesday.
McClelland’s successor Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand told the Associated Press: “He used to joke that people would see him in a parade in a car and would say, ‘Hey, there’s Midge and whatshisname’.
“I think she was more popular than him.”
Lt. John Hiscox agreed, adding: “It was like bringing Elvis Presley to the midway.”
After retiring, McClelland went travelling across the country with his wife and Midge. Hildenbrand said that McClelland loved every minute of his job, adding “I thought he’d never retire.”
McClelland’s family have said that Dan and his beloved Midge will be buried together.
