Plaistow police are asking for the public’s help to buy and train a new police dog after a beloved member of their team passed away.Kraken was a valued member of the force until he recently became very sick.“It started out with bloat, and then all of a sudden he developed cancer,” said Sgt. Alec Porter.“He developed cancer, and within a week, two weeks, he was gone,” Porter said. “And it was pretty heartbreaking.”Officers immediately felt a void.Kraken was part of a successful line of police dogs who helped officers find missing people, wanted criminals, illegal drugs and even misplaced evidence at crime scenes.“We usually try to get a dog prior to the dog retiring, the previous dog retiring, so that we can make a smooth transition into the new dog,” Porter said. “We weren't able to do that this time.”The department is trying to raise $15,000 to get a new police dog. Despite generous donations, they are still $5,000 short of their goal.Police are now turning to the public for help, anxious to get going on the multiple weeks of training required before a new K-9 can begin patrolling the streets.“Usually, I hear the dog and the panting in the back or the barking,” Porter said. “And it's just – you miss it.”Police ask that donors make out a check or money order to the town of Plaistow and mail them to the Plaistow Police Department, 27 Elm St. #1, Plaistow, N.H. 03865. Donors are asked to write “K-9 fundraiser” in the memo line.All donations are tax-deductible.For more information, call Porter at 603-382-1200 or email aporter@plaistow.com.