WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A former police dog has died five days after being shot while protecting his owner’s West Palm Beach home.

The Palm Beach Post reported (http://bit.ly/WJQ7qt ) that veterinarians euthanized Drake on Friday after determining that a bullet nicked the 5-year-old German shepherd’s esophagus, making it difficult for him to eat and drink. They had already performed surgery on his legs and head.

Drake was owned by Florida Highway Patrolman Bobby Boody. A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested for the Sunday burglary. He allegedly told investigators that he and two friends targeted Boody because they thought they would find guns and money in the trooper’s house. The teen allegedly confessed to shooting Drake. He is charged with felony burglary with a firearm and cruelty to animals. The two friends are being sought.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.