Legacy Of Emma Mertens Lives On Through Donated K9 In Waukesha

WAUKESHA,WI—A little girl's love of dogs lives on through a donated K9 bearing her name. The Waukesha Police Department announced the news on its Facebook page.

The donation was from Emma Loves Dogs, a foundation honoring the life of Emma Mertens that supports organizations that share her passion for helping animals, such as animal shelters and Police K9 units.

The Hartland girl's story went viral in 2019 when "love letters from dogs" were solicited to lift her spirits. Emma fought a very rare and inoperable brain tumor called DIPG. She died in November 2019 after a courageous battle at 8-years-old.

The Emma Loves Dogs Foundation was created on August 30, 2019 which was Emma’s eighth birthday. The foundation's inaugural event — Paws in the Park — celebrated her 9th birthday on Saturday as well as the one-year anniversary of the foundation.

The foundation heard that the city of Waukesha was without a police K9. Together with the help of Crossroads K9 Rescue, the foundation donated a K9 named Emma to the department.

Geoff Mertens, Emma's Father and President of the Emma Loves Dogs Foundation, said the foundation is beyond honored to be able to help Waukesha Police.

"All our angel Emma wanted was for us to help as many dogs and Police K9s as we can. That is what we are going to do. They all gave so much of their time to her while she was ill," Mertens told Patch.

Mertens added his daughter would light up with a smile no matter how sick she was.

'Passion for animals lives on'

Waukesha Police Capt. Dan Baumann and Sgt. Trussoni attended the “Paws in the Park”event on Saturday.

The police posted a Facebook message stating they felt "humbled to share in the celebration of the amazing life of Emma Mertens."

"She has made an impact that goes beyond this great community. Her passion for animals lives on through this outstanding foundation. Geoff, Tammy, Carter and Cameron, thank you for this amazing donation in your daughter and sister's name.

"We will commit to you that the passion Emma has for dogs will be carried on at the City of Waukesha Police Department. We are blessed to be allowed to have the name Emma be carried on through this K9 Unit donation. K9 Emma is still in training. We anticipate her and her handler to be on the road in the spring of 2021," the post said.

Baumann told Patch, Emma is a dual purpose patrol dog.

"Preliminary, we are looking to have the handler/K9 training with Emma going operational in the spring of 2021. She is still being trained," Baumann said.

The “Paws in the Park”event ended with a touching and emotional candle vigil and a solo lantern launch in honor of the little girl.

"To name the K9, Emma is unexpected but much appreciated. We are glad she will be close to home and serve the people of Waukesha," Mertens said.