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Medford's first police dog dies of illness Photo from Mail Tribune files Oxer searches for a suspect during a 1996 demonstration. Oxer joined Medford force in '92 By JIM DAVIS The first Medford police dog was put to sleep late Wednesday night because of a respiratory illness. Oxer, a 10-year-old Belgian malinois who was featured on Medford police trading cards, had been suffering breathing problems in recent weeks, said Lt. Tim George. "He was Medford's first canine and he had a reputation of being the veteran officer," George said. "He was the most savvy (dog) when it came to doing this kind of work." Oxer worked with Officer Tony Young and lived with Young and his wife, Patty, during their off-hours, George said. Young "It's a sad, sad day for Tony and Patty, because Oxer was a member of their family," George said. Oxer, who was similar in appearance to a small German shepherd, started in the city's canine program in 1992. Oxer's first partner was Officer J. Barrett, who quit police work to go into private business. Young took over as handler about five years ago. Oxer was used as a tracking dog for the patrol division, but was later cross-trained to sniff for drugs, George said. The dog was also taken to elementary schools and featured on department trading cards that were handed out to students. A friendly dog, Oxer would become alert and aggressive when given commands in Flemish. Police dogs are trained in foreign languages so commands aren't given inadvertently by the public or by criminals. In July, Oxer and Young placed fifth in the overall competition at the Medford Police Canine Competition at North Medford High School. At the time, Young said that Oxer enjoyed camping and chasing cats. Oxer had been working up to a couple of weeks ago when he was taken to Siskiyou Veterinary Hospital in Medford because of the breathing difficulties, George said. Veterinarian Dwight Sinner and Medford police made the decision to put Oxer to sleep. George said he did not know the exact illness that Oxer suffered. The Medford Police Department has three other dogs: Tanja, who works with Officer Dave Plummer, Zico, who works with Officer Rob Havice; and Loey, who works with Officer Mike Taylor. George said he didn't know whether Oxer would be replaced, or whether Young would take on another canine partner. Oxer will be recognized at a special ceremony in a couple of weeks. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA