(COLDWATER) - A search and rescue bloodhound who assisted in more than 200 cases across the Midwest has died.
Volunteer Deputy K9 Xenia of the Branch County Sheriff's Office passed away March 12 after years of service helping locate missing people and assist investigators in major cases.
Xenia was a scent-specific trailing bloodhound trained to follow the unique human scent of a specific individual. Authorities say that ability helped in a wide range of investigations, including searches for missing children, dementia patients, human trafficking cases and homicide investigations.
During her career, Xenia was deployed across Michigan -- including the Upper Peninsula -- and also assisted agencies in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Canada.
In addition to search operations, Xenia participated in the sheriff's office Adopt-a-Cop program, visiting second grade classrooms each year to help build positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
Authorities say Xenia was known for her gentle temperament and strong work ethic, and was always eager to begin a search when called to duty.
Xenia was part of a K9 family that includes Nyx, Tyr, Ruk, Willamina, Jax and Maggie Mae, who continue search and rescue work.