It's the 4 legged hero's like you that keep our 2 legged hero's safe. All that you know how to do is truly serve and protect and that all starts with one command. Thank God for all of you.

(Isaiah 11:6) 6 The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb, And with the young goat the leopard will lie down, And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together; And a little boy will lead them.
So it will be in the not so distant future when we will have access to nature's wonders in animals and never long again for an animal companion ever again, what joy God has promised for all us animal lovers. Baloo, Temple Police Dog was no doubt a great companion.

RIP loyal servant!! Rainbow Bridge will be a better place with you guarding our Lord and Savior. Watch over all the officers and K9's down here.

(Isaiah 11:6)The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb, And with the young goat the leopard will lie down, And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together; And a little boy will lead them.

I lost my jazz on oct 8 2013 I'm glad to know he is in great company sorry for your loss

So sorry for your loss. God Speed Baloo. From a GSD & his handler.

Another beautiful and loyal K9 Officer gives his all on the 'Thin Blue Line'. Maximus and I salute you, Baloo! We know you now stand your watch with God.

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.

R.I.P BALOO. WE LOVE YOU

Hi, My Name is Brian, I am so sorry for the lost of Baloo. I love Dogs too and this tragedy reminded me of a verse in Proverbs 12:10 that says we have to take care of the animals. " The righteous one is caring for the soul of his domestic animal, but the mercies of the wicked ones are cruel." Thank you to the Tempe Police Departmet for having taken care of Baloo.

To the Tempe Police Department. I am sorry for your lost. Be asure that one day this words will come true and then there will be nobody who causes pain or hurt us. "But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time for the dead to be judged, and to give [their] reward to your slaves the prophets and to the holy ones and to those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

REST IN PEACE OFFICER BALOO...YOU ARE A TRUE HERO AND YOUR SERVICES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU WENT BEYOND TO PROTECT AND SERVE BY MAKING THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOU AND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE TEMPE POLICE DEPT.

Sorry for your great loss

rest in peace

Awww Buddy...you won't have to worry about being hurt again. We all love you and will miss you something aweful,but you are always in our hearts.

Good bless Baloo for patroling with you on your shifts. Dogs are so loyal they will die for you. You can bet he is watching out for you now. He's your guardian angel now

You have crossed over the rainbow bridge, thank you for your service Baloo!

tYou will not have fight bad people anymore all you have to do is enjoy the beatiful place you and Jack are in.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

He will be missed. Bless him in doggie heaven for being a vital part of the police department. "Donna Stewart" (Waterford, Mi.)

Bless your heart Baloo... May you rest in peace baby boy

to the handler of Baloo and the tempe pd i am deeply saddened to hear of your lose i didnt know him but i would have like to know him as i am sure that he was a fine officer (even though he was only a dog he was still an officer) and i am also certain that he was very happy to do his job like most good police officers (k9 equine or even human) are happy to do he will be sadly missed by this world minus those he caught of course but just know that he died doing a job that most dogs arent cut out to do

Sorry For your loss of a great friend partner and companion, it can not be easy.
May god bless you.

Our thoghs are with you fromall of us at: www.maps4pets.com

I know in my heart that our pets souls do go to heaven and that is where Baloo is. We had a former K-9, also a German Shepard that was hit by a car and couldn't serve anymore, and Heidi was the most loving, loyal, protective and joyful dog we have ever had. She passed several years ago, but I know that her and Baloo are in a wonderful "doggy heaven" no matter how corny that sounds.

I am very sorry this happened to you, your family, and especially Baloo. The memorial service was wonderful. He sounded like a pretty neat dog, and an amazing officer.

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Baloo was a great officer, companion and asset to the Tempe Police Dept. We are truly sorry John!

Baloo - there are good dogs and there are great dogs. We love our good dogs but great dogs become part of us and make us better people. Dogs like you teach us to live in the now and take us out of our busy minds\lives and give so much more to us than we ever give to you.
Officer Holdinsky - my heart goes out to you and your family and anyone fortunate enough to have shared knowing Baloo with you. I know the pain of losing a dog who is more than just "a pet" and while the pain never completely goes away, the happiness that comes from having been blessed with being part of this dog's life is worth the sadness we feel at their passing.

John & Carol,

May your memories of the wonderful, special, funny, crazy, rewarding, and happy times with Baloo comfort you both.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers...

Much love & peace,

Rebecca

All dogs go to heaven. Hope you see my two, that are there as well. Thank you.

dear Baloo..i hope you your doing well in heavan.And i hope that you you like it up there.We give love thanks to you Baloo. Love sophia 8 years old.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I
cant say i know what youre going through but as a dog lover, one can only imagine. He was a beautiful dog and i truly am sorry.

We thank you for sharing your life with your family here on earth & the Tempe PD. You will be truely missed by everyone. We want to thank you for the years to serve this city that you loved so much.

There will never be words to discribe what a hero you are to your fellow officers. But you gave more then your life for your partner....you gave your unconditional love to him and his family. That will stay with them forever. As you & God watch over them until you meet again.

Thank you!

The Powers Family

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Baloo, Thanks for all your hard work and keeping us safe. You even helped out our son who's a Tempe Police Officer and we are grateful for that. Wish I would've gotten to meet you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and to the Tempe Police Department. Know in your heart that Baloo lived his life to the fullest. He will be rewarded in heaven. God speed, Rest in Peace.

BALOO,
RAINBOW BRIDGE
JUST THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED RAINBOW BRIDGE. WHEN AN ANIMAL DIES THAT HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO SOMEONE HERE, THAT PET GOES TO RAINBOW BRIDGE. THERE ARE MEADOWS AND HILLS FOR ALL OF OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS SO THEY CAN RUN AND PLAY TOGETHER. THERE IS PLENTY OF FOOD AND WATER AND SUNSHINE, AND OUR FRIENDS ARE WARM AND COMFORTABLE. ALL THE ANIMALS WHO HAVE BEEN ILL AND OLD ARE RESTORED TO HEALTH AND VIGOR, THOSE WHO WERE HURT OR MAIMED ARE MADE WHOLE AND STRONG AGAIN, JUST AS WE REMEMBER THEM IN OUR DREAMS OF DAYS AND TIMES GONE BY. THE ANIMALS ARE HAPPY AND CONTENT, EXCEPT FOR ONE SMALL THING-THEY MISS SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL TO THEM, WHO HAD TO BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY ALL RUN AND PLAY TOGETHER, BUT THE DAY COMES WHEN ONE SUDDENLY STOPS AND LOOKS INTO THE DISTANCE. HIS BRIGHT EYES ARE INTENT, HIS EAGER BODY BEGINS TO QUIVER. SUDDENLY HE BEGINS TO RUN FROM THE GROUP, FLYING OVER THE GREEN GRASS, HIS LEGS CARRYING HIM FASTER AND FASTER. YOU HAVE BEEN SPOTTED, AND WHEN YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL FRIEND MEET, YOU CLING TOGETHET IN JOYOUS REUNION, NEVER TO BE PARTED AGAIN. THE HAPPY KISSES RAIN UPON YOUR FACE, YOUR HANDS AGAIN CARESS THE BELOVED HEAD, AND YOU LOOK ONCE MORE INTO THE TRUSTING EYES OF YOUR PET, SO LONG GONE FROM YOUR LIFE BY NEVER ABSENT FROM YOUR HEART. THE TOGETHER YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL PET CROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.

Baloo,I never saw you or your partner, but I know from past experiences that you were a great Police Officer and protected your partner,,,, God bless you and be happy in Doggie Heaven, God be with your Partner, Thank You for a job well done,, Rest in Peace

My heart goes out to the officer that was a partner to Baloo; his heart must be broken, God Bless You.

Baloo thank you so much for keeping the streets of Tempe safe for all of us.

We salute you!

My heart goes out to you. God bless all of our dogs...

So sorry to hear about the loss of such a brave and beautiful police dog. He was definitely an asset to the community! My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Holdinsky and his family.

Baloo
Running in an open meadow,
Smelling the fragrant scents of Nature.
Stopping for water at a cold brook,
It is much cooler here.

Missing my family and the Boys in Blue,
I'm there always for all of you.
I liked attention, the snuggles and hugs,
But I really enjoyed helping you catch the thugs.

There is no Pain,
I did my best,
It was time to go
So I leave it for you to do the rest.

It was a quick adjustment moving up here,
I know in my heart you will always be near.
Watching the sunset over a glass smooth pond,
There will always be that "Forever" bond.

John and Carol were my best friends,
They were always there, even at the end.
I know it was tough, you did all you could do,
By the way, I loved being called Baloo.

I am waiting for my humans!!

You will be deeply missed. Baloo will always be in our hearts. God Bless.

You are in our prayers. Baloo and John were a great team.

We're sorry to hear of your partner's loss. As K-9 officers we can relate to you and what that loss is. Nothing can be said to replace him and not too many folks relize what a job they do.

From one K9 handler to another, my heart goes out to you.

God Bless

My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with the Tempe Police Department and community. Baloo will always be remembered. God Bless.

I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful dog. My heart breaks for the officer and also the entire Tempe Police Department. Baloo will always be a hero!!

Carol and John...I smile when I look at the picture of Baloo. He looks like quite a character. I am sure he had a great life living in your home. My dog Harley and I visit Murph's memorial routinely as we take our walks. Baloo will not be forgotten...

I will miss seeing and tossing the ball of this wonderful animal

My family would like to send our condolences to the Tempe PD and the Holdinsky family. Our hearts go out to you.

Officer, I am so sorry for your great loss as I know Baloo was your very dear friend and companion.

My deepest condolence to you and yours.

Thank you for serving and protecting, you are a hero and will be missed. Rest In Peace

Thanks for protecting us and keeping us all safe. Rest in Peace you will be greatly missed.

John,
We are so sorry. Baloo truly was the best. We thought it might bring you a moment of happiness to know our 12 year old daughter feels that Baloo is now protecting our 4 year old pug Leah that we lost in surgery earlier this year up at the Rainbow Bridge. We know she is right.

May you run and play in heaven never to feel pain or hurt again.
I thank you for the protection and love you offered us all, as a loyal and trusted companion to your partner.
May you be held in God's loving arms.
May God Bless You and your family allways,
Teri A Medrano

You were a hero....you Are a Hero!
Thank you!

Ski
Words can't express how much we feel for those we love. You and Baloo always had an ear to listen and answers to my questions when I needed to talk. We will miss him and you always have your police family if you ever need anything.

Thank you so much for including Baloo's obituary in your paper. How reassuring it is to know that others place such value on Baloo's life as to include the news of his heroic death where it truly belongs. They aren't "just animals" -- they are our friends, protectors, loving companions; and each animal is a hero in his or her own right.

Baloo,
You're my hero!

The first time I met Baloo I thought about what a great combination of a snuggley teddybear with silly ears mixed with a tough dude ready to protect and serve...just like his daddy John. You two made a great pair and I know he'll be looking out for you the rest of your days. Please know that you and your family are loved and supported by many.

A ture HERO!!! My sincere condolences to the Tempe Police Department and to the family for this tremendous loss. May Baloo rest in peace. Thank you for your service to a grateful community.

I wish to express my sadness at the loss of this wonderful animal to all of the police officers, but especially to his human partner and family. I hope the family will soon be able to think only of the fun times and the love he shared with them.

I was so sad to read about this. He was truly a courageous and wonderful friend! He was not "just a dog"! I wish I could have met him and loved him and kissed his nose just once.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I know you'll be waiting for your handler/friend over the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for your service. Till we all meet again........Caio

Sorry for the loss of your partner. Find solice knowing he died doing what he loved to do.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holdinsky Family and the Tempe Police Department for the loss of a partner, best friend, and a brave officer. You will be greatly missed.

It's heart wrenching to see a beloved animal go and comforting to see the number of condolences written about Baloo, who served us all so well. We will all meet again some day.

Officer Holdinsky:

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful partner and friend.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. These dogs do so much for us and it seems the only time we remember is when something tragic happens. Baloo was an important member to our community and to his family. He has a place in heaven playing ball and getting belly rubs.

To some of us, in loosing a pet the sadness and heartache is felt as if we have just lost a child or best friend. Baloo, may you rest in peace.

Rest in peace your work is done here on earth.

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "
Author unknown...

My condolences to the Tempe Police Department and deep hearted sympathy for the Holdinsky Family for your loss.

I was very sadden to hear about Baloo. I know he will be missed not only as a Police Dog but also as a very Dear Friend and companion to all.

The bond between man and dog is so great as that between police officers and the law enforcement family. One poem that has always brought me comfort is "Rainbow Bridge". All I can think is that God must have needed Baloo more than we do. My deepest and heartfelt condolences are with you as you grieve. May God comfort you all at this time.

Not "just a dog"

I hope someday all can understand it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

Rest in peace Baloo

I'm sorry that you lost such a loyal partner, you and your family are in my parys.

Our family's heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Baloo. He was so beautiful! Just know I am sure he will be assisting other canines from up above in leading them to become great officers. May we always remember Baloo for his friendship to others and greatness he gave in his job!

Many times I remember having to go into buildings with Baloo along with his partner. I never felt in danger because Baloo was as sharp as they come and he never seemed to be distracted from his work.

Baloo will be sorely missed in the hearts of everyone. May he be remembered as a hero of the Tempe Police Dept.

My thoughts and prayers are with Baloo, the Tempe Police Dept. and his owner.

Im sorry to hear about Baloo....he is a beautiful dog and was doing what he loved.

Baloo,

Your love, loyalty and dedication will continue to be felt as we pray you feel all of our love in heaven.

You will be missed.

Megan

You will be missed Baloo, you were a beloved friend and family member to the lucky few who got to be a part of your life, and you were a brave police officer ready to defend and protect the rest of us. You will be missed by us all. Thank you for all you gave to us.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Thank you, Baloo, for your dedication, courage, and service to the community. You will be dearly missed.

Warm Summer Sun

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation

I am so sorry to read this. I am a German Shepard owner and I think this breed is really something special. My wife and I recently found out our female "Scooter" has a terminal disease similar to chrones... and here we were worried about hip displacia. She is seven now. I cry just thinking about putting her down. I am so sorry for your loss. Some people say there are no pets in heaven but I know they are wrong for I could never be truly happy without being reunited with my precious "best friends".

Sincerely,
Donald and Theresa Brigner
Paulden, AZ