A poem in remembrance of Ace the Dog

A memorial service honoring fallen GBPD K-9 "Ace," the dog assigned to Gulf Breeze High School along with his handler, Officer Mark Lyster, was Friday, Jan. 11.

Several people spoke about the impact Ace made on their daily lives at school.

Heather Shearer, an aide at GBES was inspired to write this poem:

Let me tell you a story of a man and his dog

This was no ordinary pair, as they protected the law

Mark is an officer with the Gulf Breeze Police

Ace was his K-9 with a badge and a leash

They walked the halls of the high school looking for drugs

They came to the elementary school for Ace to get hugs

Mark would say "Find it" and Ace would do his job

It was quit amazing, everyone was in awe

The most amazing thing, however, was the bond that they had

Ace's greatest reward was to play with his dad

We always knew they were coming from the jingle of his leash

They would come in to visit Charito and for Ace to get a treat

Then ace got sick suddenly and was not feeling so good

Mark rushed him to the vet like any great dad would

We were all worried sick about our K-9 friend

We prayed for him and asked that God keep him in his hands

But God had a plan for Ace and it was time for him to go

But there are a few things I think he would want you to know

He would say… "Dad thanks for loving me with all your heart

But don't be sad…we will never really be apart

I miss you so much, but don't cry for me

You made me as happy as any dog could be

My life with you was the best I ever had

I was lucky to have you as my dad

I will always be with you, so don't feel alone

I will just be watching you from heaven from now on

I know one day we will meet again-different time and place

And I will be there waiting for you, Love Always, Ace"

So that is the story of this unbelievable team

If you were lucky enough to know them, then you know what I mean

The memories we have, we will carry with us until the end

We will never forget you our K-9 friend