Days after performing at Weare’s annual Patriotic Celebration, Weare Police Department’s K-9, Mica, died after struggling with cancer.

To honor Mica, the Weare Police Department has scheduled a memorial service for Thursday, July 29, at 7 p.m., at Weare Middle School. Diagnosed with lymphoma in November 2009, Mica had been in remission since the spring. She died July 21.

“She lasted four months,” said Joe Kelley, who was Mica’s partner for three years. “Then she went out of remission, and they ran out of options as far as drugs go.”

Mica gained notoriety in 2008 when she found a missing 4-year-old boy, and has endeared the Weare community ever since. She continued to work during chemotherapy treatments, tracking down suspects and participating in investigations.

She again drew media attention when it was discovered that Weare’s police budget couldn’t cover the expense of her cancer treatment. New Boston resident Don Lyons set up a fund that brought in roughly $30,000 from all over the country.

“That was unbelievable,” Kelley said of the donations that poured in. “The money they raised kept her alive.”

A regular in the K-9 competition circuit, Mica took home five awards back in June at the U.S. Police Canine Association’s Police Dog Competition. Kelley was amazed by Mica’s performance.

“She won open classes, even with cancer,” he said. “She did more than just certify. She did her best yet.”

Kelley returned to work on July 24 to an outpouring of cards, phone messages and flowers delivered to the station. “It’s almost overwhelming,” he said.

There is no doubt that Kelley is feeling the pain of losing his partner. “I’m having a hard time with it. It’s rough,” Kelley said. “It’s different coming to work, not having her.”

His own family is saddened by the loss as well. “She was a pet to my own kids, too,” he said.

Still, Kelley reflects on the impact Mica made on the Weare community.

“She was really social, good with people … her strongest attribute wasn’t the work, it was the relationships she had in the community, especially with the kids,” he said.

Kelley has begun the early stages of training with a new dog, who arrived from Auburn, Mass., but the memories he has of Mica will stay with him.