Merlot, the Regina police therapy dog, has died

WATCH: K9 merlot, a longtime source of comfort for victims and witnesses of crime and trauma in Regina, has passed away.

Merlot, who formerly served as a facility dog for the Regina Police Service and later for Saskatchewan Courts, has died.

The announcement was made across Merlot’s social media accounts, Padsk9merlot, on Monday.

“Merlot won over the hearts of everyone who met her, with her deep brown eyes and caring old soul,” the post read.

“We can’t forget her loud snoring during quiet courtroom testimony and child forensic interviews. Nothing like adding some humor when life got ruff.”

For eight years, Merlot worked as an Accredited Facility Dog, later known as a Justice Facility Dog, with RPS as well as Saskatchewan’s Provincial Courts and Court of King’s Bench – helping children and vulnerable people through traumatic experiences.

Merlot would be present for police interviews with victims, offering a calming presence, and would follow them through the judicial process.

Just after her 10th birthday, Merlot began exhibiting some health issues, which ultimately led to her retirement.

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Sgt. Tia Froh, Merlot’s handler, adopted the service-minded canine. According to the post, an extremely aggressive cancer presented itself last week and Merlot passed shortly afterward.

Remembered for the hundreds of people she helped during her time in the public service – her warm brown eyes offering comfort and stability during the lowest point for many that found themselves speaking to police.

“Merlot leaves an immense emptiness in my heart and our home,” the post read. “I know her presence will be missed in our city and province as well.”

Merlot assisted with 325 forensic interviews and 385 support visits in court. She also assisted officers with over a dozen critical incident and mental health debriefs, according to police.

Following Merlot’s retirement, RPS welcomed a new facility dog, Sinclair, into its ranks.

Getting his name from Canadian women’s soccer icon Christine Sinclair, the canine received over 1,200 hours of advanced training from the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), where Merlot was also trained.

“Merlot was by my side, 24 hours a day for nearly 10 years. We built a program, went through highs and lows, and grew together,” the post continued.

“Thank you to RPS for letting us run with this idea. Thank you to everyone who believed in us and supported us over the years.”

Merlot was 11-years-old.