Terminally ill girl who loves dogs visited by K-9 officers, nearly 40 police departments

(FOX NEWS) -- A young Wisconsin girl with an inoperable brain tumor and a love of dogs had quite the day when nearly 40 different police departments from around the state -- including K-9 officers -- visited her at home.

In January, 7-year-old Emma Mertens was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare brain tumor, FOX 6 reported. Soon after her diagnosis, Mertens asked people for photos of their dogs.

Since then, Mertens has received countless letters and photos from friends and supporters in an effort to cheer her up.

On Saturday, she received an even bigger act of kindness when K-9 officers from close to 40 different police departments stopped by her Hartland home, roughly 25 miles west of Milwaukee.

"Today, just a few of us (roughly 40) stopped by to see Emma," the Hartford Police Department wrote in a Facebook post. "She had no idea we were coming so she was VERY excited. What an amazing and strong little girl. It was such a great morning."

Photos show the officers and K-9s lined up to see Mertens. There are no words....Pure Joy!" Mertens' family wrote of the 7-year-old's special visit.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to organize and participate in this," her family wrote. "Emma is still all smiles!"