HARTLAND — At least 20 different K9 units showed up to the funeral of 8-year-old Emma Mertens who passed away on Nov. 19.
Mertens had been battling an inoperable brain tumor but unfortunately passed away in her mother's arms. Her funeral was Saturday and everyone in attendance wore blue or Team Emma shirts at the request of the family.
Following the funeral, the family was escorted home by over 20 K-9 Units according to a Facebook post.
The family noted that they were nervous to accept such an honor but the officers insisted.
"These men and women gave up most of their day off (Saturday) to be there for us and ensure that we got home safely. It was an overwhelming honor. A very touching, quiet ride home that Emma would have loved," the family said in a Facebook post.
The relationship between Mertens and dogs began when she was initially diagnosed. A friend of the family wanted to spread some love for Mertens and knew that she loved dogs, so she came up with a creative idea. Shortly after, pictures and hand-written notes from dogs themselves started showing at Mertens' home. From then on, "Emma Loves Dogs" was born.
