A Florida police dog died after being struck by lightning in Panama City, according to the Associated Press.
Argo was found motionless by his handler, Cpl. Jason Gleason's, daughter Sunday night behind his kennel after a thunderstorm passed through the area. Most of Argo's fur was missing from his front leg above the paw, which indicated a lightning strike, according to The News Herald of Panama City via the Panama City Beach Police Department police report.
Gleason left Argo in his kennel before heading to a training session.
"He is still having a hard time," said Police Chief Drew Whitman.
Argo replaced Gleason's former K-9 partner, Poncho, who was presumed dead after disappearing in the woods while tracking three burglary suspects in 2009, according to the News Herald.
Argo, a Belgian Malinois, was one special K-9. During his five years as a police dog, he helped seize almost $25,000 in illegal narcotics and held four national certificates, WMBB reported.
"We just hope Gleason's alright," Whiteman told WMBB. "It's going to be a healing process for him. ...[Argo was] part of his family. He spent all his time with [him] at work and at home because he would take care of him at home, as well," Whitman said.
Whitman says the department is in the process of buying three new K-9 dogs and one will go to Officer Gleason, according to WMBB.
"It's going to be a long process for him but he knows that we're here for him and we'll try to get him back on track with another dog as soon as possible," Whitman said.
