Dan McClelland (67) served for the Geauga County Police Force of Ohio for 44 years. He was also sheriff for 13 years.
Midge, a mix of a Chihuahua/Rat Terrier, helped him in his service. She was able to find traces of drugs, and she had the proper certificate. Midge and Dan retired in 2016, and she ended their careers together.
The former policeman had planned to take his dog and wife on vacation. The former policeman became ill and died from cancer in hospital. Midge, who was still at home, experienced a cardiac arrest within a matter of hours. She was 16 years old at the time. This simultaneous death could indicate an emotional bond between the animal’s owner and it.
Midge and Dan became famous as the heroes of talk shows, magazine publications, and other media. After Midge was named the smallest police officer dog in 2006, the Guinness Book of Records made this a reality. She was 28 cm tall and 58 cm long. McClelland was the one who selected her to train in drug search. She was the smallest of her litter.
The tiny Midge was right: unlike aggressive large dogs, she searched cars gently, leaving no marks or damage to the upholstery. She was able to complete her task while she was under the car. According to her family, Midge is buried with Dan.
