DENVER -- Not all dog stories are happy ones.

Wednesday night the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) first accelerant-sniffing canine, Erin, lost her battle with cancer. 

Erin came to CBI in 2000 and retired in May of 2007. Erin and CBI Agent Jerry Means responded to more than 800 calls that resulted in at least 150 arson arrests. Together Erin and Means logged 270,000 miles responding to requests for fire investigation help from local agencies.

Erin, a smart black Labrador Retriever, was the center of attention in more than 500 demonstrations at schools, seminars, colleges, civic groups, scout troops and other events throughout Colorado. 

Means fed Erin cheeseburgers and watched her quietly pass away on a lawn Wednesday night.

Erin was designated as a national poster dog for arson prevention and is one of three, with her picture included in the nation campaign against arson. 

The National Fire Dog Monument in Washington D.C. is modeled after Erin and will serve as a living memory to Erin. 

As in any typical family, the death of a beloved dog has left CBI members with great sadness.

Information provided by Colorado Bureau of Investigation.