Police K-9 memorial in the works, officer shares 'incredible' bond with fallen dog

Cedar Park K-9 Officer Justin Gower lost his K-9, Rogue, in the line of duty in 2021.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cedar Park K-9 Officer Justin Gower lost his K-9, Rogue, in the line of duty in 2021.

He said Rogue had a rare disease that goes undetected until acute symptoms arise, and it's typically too late. Rogue died during a training exercise.

"We spend more time with our dogs than we do with our families, so our bond that we have is incredible," he said.

Right now, various groups are trying to create a K-9 memorial for all police dogs who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

It would sit on the Capitol grounds near the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial.

"All of this has to be approved by the State Preservation Board, and it has to be done in phases," said Kevin Lawrence, executive director of the Texas Municipal Police Association, one of the groups working to build the memorial.

Renderings of the statues are below.

There is a meeting set for Wednesday with the State Preservation Board aimed at moving this project forward. Lawrence said it's still in its early stages, and will likely still take a couple of years to come to fruition.

The full cost of the project is yet to be determined. The money will be fundraised.