Lexi’s final mission: Sabah rescue dog dies after helping find missing man following nine years of service

KOTA KINABALU — A Sabah Fire and Rescue Department search dog named Lexi passed away on Friday, just one day after completing its final mission in the line of duty, bringing nearly nine years of service to an end. The 10-year-old Labrador Retriever succumbed to its demise in its kennel at 6:15 am, as reported by the Harian Metro.

Lexi had been deployed for a search operation in search of a missing individual in Kampung Pulutan Membawang, Menggatal, on November 5. This marked the dog's last assignment with the rescue team.

Calvin Joe Jeafery, chief of the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department K9 unit, stated that Lexi was accompanied by its handler, fireman Arthur Anderson Walter, during the operation. Upon returning to the station, the dog was given its usual bath and meal. Although it showed no adverse reactions and seemed to be in good health, personnel discovered it unresponsive during a routine kennel inspection the following morning, leading to its untimely death.

Lexi had a medical history that comprised stage-two heart disease and a growth on its gums. The canine received veterinary care, including antibiotics, gastric medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs. The cause of death is yet to be established; a post-mortem examination by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department is pending.

Trained in wilderness search-and-rescue operations, Lexi specialized in finding missing individuals in forests and other difficult terrains. The dog was acquired by the Sabah K9 unit from the United Kingdom in 2017, and its final operation in Menggatal signified the conclusion of a career that lasted almost nine years.