Miss Fifi was saddend by yesterday's news that Thor, a Raleigh Police Department narcotics dog, died. It's easy for any of us, Miss Fifi included, to forget that canines and other animals aren't just loved and appreciated as pets.

Working animals put their lives on the line, or assist their humans, every day and should also be remembered with fondness and affection. I especially appreciate what my human read out to me from Sherriff Donnie Harrison, as reported on WRAL.com:

"Thor loved to come work," Sheriff Donnie Harrison said. "We will miss his drive and his energy. He worked just as hard on the last day he lived as the first day he came to work for us."

What a nice thing to say, and what a nice thing for his handler, Deputy Roy Wilbourne, to hear. The K-9 officers in our cities are important members of the team, and provide their duty honorably.

So three cheers for Thor from the animal community:      Woof!      Woof!      Woof!