Kenosha K9 'Klaus' euthanized after sudden illness

KENOSHA, Ill. (WLS) -- The Kenosha Sheriff's Department is mourning the unexpected death of a member of its K9 patrol team.

According to a press release from the sheriff's department, the 6-year-old German shepherd named Klaus became ill suddenly on Sunday night. An emergency veterinarian diagnosed Klaus with internal bleeding and masses on his spleen.

When further tests revealed more masses on his liver, the department made the decision to euthanize Klaus. He died peacefully with his handler, Deputy John Lanctot, by his side.

Klaus had been working with Deputy Lanctot since they began training together in September 2011. He officially began working for the K9 patrol team in November 2011.

The sheriff's department said Deputy Lanctot and Klaus primarily worked along the I-94 corridor and were active in making hundreds of drug and criminal arrests.