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Marietta Police Department K-9 Officer Ava retired in style today. Her handler and owner, Officer Paula Goss, said she and Ava add their condolences to those mourning French K-9 Officer Diesel, who died during a raid on suspected Islamic State terrorists.

"You build a bond with these dogs," Goss said.

Marietta K-9 Officer Ava, left, and the late French K-9 Officer Diesel. Photos: Jennifer Brett/Police Nationale

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

The two were paired for three years. Ava mostly worked sniffing for drugs and loved going to work each day. She came out of service about a week ago, after she had become less able to work. She still gets a little blue when Goss leaves without her in the mornings, and was glad to see her colleagues at her retirement ceremony.

"She's all excited," Goss said. "She's used to going to work."

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