The TAPD's retired K-9, Eci, was honored at a fundraising event in Nashville a few weeks ago. Upon completion of service, she was given just six months to live due to a cancer diagnosis. In retirement, she became the 262nd member of the Project K-9 Hero Program, a nonprofit organization that provides medical expenses and food for retired police and military K-9s.

Remarkably, she is part of the 8% of dogs who survive longer than six months after a diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma. Eci is truly a walking miracle. Because of her inspiring journey, she was recognized at the Project K-9 Hero's 5th Annual Performers for Paws event in Nashville back in January. Dina Bigham, Eci's former partner and owner, was fortunate enough to join her on stage with several artists to share her incredible story, including her battle with cancer and her struggle with IVDD, a degenerative spinal disease for which she receives physical therapy. The event raised over $500,000 for the nonprofit organization that provides care and support for hundreds of dogs like her.