Retired SLTPD K9 Tara dies after being honored with ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a special ceremony November 6, 2020, one that honored the police service of K9 Tara as she left her home for the last time. After surviving cancer surgery that resulted in the loss of one leg two years ago, K9 Tara was put to sleep after being hit by the disease once again.

Lining the entrance to the Carson Valley Veterinary Clinic were men and women from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, Mono County Sheriffs Office, East Fork Fire Department and friends, family and supporters. In a moving display caught on video by SLTPD Lt. Travis Cabral, Tara was removed from her owner, SLTPD Sgt. Jason Cheney's vehicle, placed on a gurney and walked by a line of first responders as she went into the veterinary clinic.

From the first moment she came to town, K9 Tara was an integral part of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the community, and the Cheney family.

She was an interesting combination of Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd. Born in the Netherlands and destined for greatness. Her long and distinguished career included competition and numerous awards on the trial circuit in the Netherlands and two years with the Royal Dutch Police. She was then taken back to the original kennel for her blood line, used to breed future heroes and champions. Yuba County Sheriff Deputy Nathan Lybarger convinced the breeder to sell Tara to him and she headed to America. She was imported for breeding but an emergency C-Section left her unable to have more puppies.

Sgt. Cheney was looking for a dog to provide home protection and Lybarger, a friend of his, connected Tara with the Cheney family.

Most female working dogs don't have the mind set for patrol, but Tara was unique, Cheney said.

Tara went to the Cheney home in February of 2014, two months before Jason was promoted to be a canine officer with the department. Since Tara was already certified for patrol from her days with the Royal Dutch Police, it became a perfect fit and Tara became a K9 with SLTPD.

"She was an old pro," said Sgt. Cheney. "She made me look like a rock star and all she wanted to do was work."

During her four year career with SLTPD, K9 Tara performed in countless demonstrations for our community’s schools and groups, aided in the apprehension of numerous criminals and served as the “tip of the spear” on more than one occasion, going in first to keep officers safe. She was part of the annual Drug Store Project as well.

K9 Tara’s drug seizures are too numerous to count. She went through her entire career without a single failed deployment and has won countless awards and represented this agency competing against the best K9 teams on the west coast.

At her last competition at Travis AFB in 2018, Tara took place for each search, protection, and overall performance. This was against 30 other dog teams.

"She always trophied from the from the beginning," said Cheney. "She knew what to do and she made me look good."

When Tara moved from being a family pet to K9, the City paid Cheney an agreed upon one dollar. When she retired, he gave the City back that one dollar.

After retirement Tara got cancer in her leg and it had to be amputated. She beat the odds, surviving after the amputation and chemotherapy. Normally dogs will have an average eight-to-twelve months to live after that type of surgery, but Tara went for another two years, proving her toughness. She could be found often at the SLTPD station and was at the recent K9 demonstrations at the Magnet School in Meyers.

Tara had a special bond with the veterinary team of Dr. Cameron Ross and Sarah Casper. Prior to her surgery she didn't like doctors touching her, but once her life was saved, Dr. Ross and Sarah could do whatever they wanted. Cheney said it was like Tara knew they saved her.

At her annual exam in April, 2020, Dr. Ross found three tumors about the size of quarters in her lungs. Because of their location and Tara's age, surgery wasn't a viable option. Two weeks before her death, Tara jumped up on a bed and broke the one remaining leg on that side. The bone cancer was back.

"You could see her spirit had left," said Cheney of Tara at the end. "She knew it was over."

SLTPD Sgt. Scott Crivelli and Fawna Cheney, Jason's wife, organized Tara's ceremony in just 48 hours.

Crivelli and Cheney drove Tara to the clinic and the two of them talked to her the whole way. Her tail wagged, and as she was put on the stretcher for her final walk with the Cheney family and her police family, Jason said you could see Tara knew and there was a sense of relief.

As they walked, the police radios sounded with the ceremonious "End of Watch" call.

"It was very moving," said Cheney of the ceremony. "More than I could have ever imagined."

Since the video was posted to the South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association's Facebook page, the tributes to Tara have been numerous. People have left comments on how Tara affected them during her life.

The video was also shared by Dr. Ross who was moved by the event.

"This is why we do what we do, this is my 'why'," Cheney said Dr. Ross told him.

Cheney has K9 Ricci now to join him at work. Crivelli had him as his partner, but when he was promoted to detective one year ago, Ricci moved over to be with Cheney.

You will be missed Tara.