A sheriff and his beloved police dog will be buried together after dying on the same day.
Per the Associated Press, Dan McClelland, 67, and his tiny crime-fighting K9, Midge, 16, died in Geauga County, Ohio on Wednesday (April 14).
The drug-sniffing chihuahua-rat terrier cross died at home hours after the retired Geauga County Sheriff passed away following a complicated battle with cancer.
McClelland's successor Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand recalled, that McClelland used to joke that more people recognized Midge instead of him.
After joining the police in 2006, Midge entered the Guinness World Records by becoming the smallest police dog in the world, according to AP.
The little pooch had spent a decade serving with the Geauga County force alongside McClelland before her owner retired in 2016. The pair were inseparable and worked incredibly well together.
Unlike her larger, more aggressive counterparts, Midge would search vehicles without causing damage to the upholstery or leaving behind muddy footprints. In addition, due to her size, searching underneath vehicles was a comparatively simple feat.
The late doggo would nap on a mini-bed beside McClelland's desk when they were at the office.
Hildenbrand also recalled the reaction McClelland and Midge received from the public when he drove a golf cart with the pair in the passenger seat at the Great Geauga County Fair. He told AP that it was a slow ride as crowds flocked over to the adorable dog.
The canine and his owner had been guests on daytime talk shows and even featured in magazines like Playboy before their joint retirement.
Hildenbrand said that he thought McClelland would "never retire" after spending 44 years serving the public.
The official Facebook account for the current Geauga County Sheriff confirmed the veteran's passing, writing:
"It is with a heavy heart that I inform the residents of Geauga County that Retired Sheriff Dan McClelland has passed way.
"Sheriff McClelland served the residents of Geauga County for 44 years with the last 13 years proudly serving as your Sheriff.
"Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will announce funeral service information as we receive them."
Per the New York Post, McCelland's family has confirmed that the beloved partners will be buried together.
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of McClelland and his best canine friend Midge.
