Service dog of Regina Lowe’s employee put down due to illness

He was a welcome face to customers and a comforting support to a Regina man with a brain injury.

Blue the dog first made headlines in June when he – and his owner, Owen Lima – were hired at a Lowe’s store in Regina.  

Lima had difficulty finding work until the Northgate Mall Lowe’s on Albert Street decided to hire him as a customer service representative.

Since Blue would also be coming to the store each day, the dog was given a Lowe’s signature orange “customer service” vest to match his owner.

On Wednesday, however, the company tweeted Blue had been put down due to illness.

Sad news: Blue the Dog was put down due to illness. Our thoughts are with Owen and all those that were touched by their inspiring story. pic.twitter.com/m8W7tq6ftp

— Lowe’s Canada (@Lowes_Canada) December 14, 2016

 When Lima was interviewed by 980 CJME in June, he said Lowe’s had not only accepted him, but also his “better half” – Blue.