Kota Kinabalu: A search that brought a missing elderly man back alive became the final mission for Sabah Fire and Rescue Department’s K9 dog, Lexi, who died the following morning, after years of helping rescuers find missing people.
The 10-year-old Labrador Retriever died at 6.15am on Nov 6, a day after she participated in an operation that ended with the rescue of a 67-year-old man in Kampung Pulutan Membawang, Manggatal.
Paying tribute to Lexi, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said she had performed her duties admirably during the two-day search and rescue (SAR) operation which began on Nov 4.
“Farewell, Lexi. Thank you for your service and for being part of the Sabah Fire and Rescue family. We will miss you,” it said.
The department said Lexi had been buried following a post-mortem examination.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Lexi was among the first six dogs brought to Sabah in 2018 to help establish the department’s K9 unit, serving alongside firefighters in searches through forests, remote areas and difficult terrain.
According to the department, Lexi was subsequently returned to base after her final mission, where personnel cleaned and fed her. She ate normally and showed no unusual signs.
However, personnel conducting a routine check early the next morning found her unresponsive. Emergency efforts failed to revive her.
The department said Lexi had a heart condition and a growth on her gums, for which she had been receiving veterinary treatment and monitoring.
Her remains were sent to the Sabah Veterinary Services Department for a post-mortem before burial on Nov 7. No cause of death was stated.
Born on April 21, 2016, Lexi joined the department’s K9 team in 2017 and underwent specialised training to locate missing people in forested areas.
She arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport on Oct 30, 2018, alongside Scott, Pepper, Bill, Peter and Fleur, following a delay that had separated the dogs from their handlers for about six months.
Lexi and Scott were assigned to wilderness searches. The Sabah K9 unit was formally established on Dec 10 that year.
