COLUMBUS — The medical report on Bravo looked like something you would see for an injured NFL player. The Bartholomew County Sheriff's K9 had to undergo surgery for torn ACLs to his right and left knees.
The good news is that Bravo has recovered and is back on the job, according to Sheriff Matt Myers. There were no complications during the surgeries and veterinarians have given Bravo the OK to return to a normal life.
"Bravo is one-third of our K9 Unit”, said Myers. “I cannot stress enough the importance of this K9 Unit and the affect Bravo has had on finding and keeping illegal drugs out of our community”.
The dog's injuries were described as "work-related." Bravo has been with the department just over one year and has been deployed five times on foot pursuits, 86 times to locate illegal drugs and has assisted deputies serving arrest warrants.
The surgeries were not covered by workmen’s compensation or insurance. “Our agency was intent on getting our four-legged partner the medical attention he needed”, said Chief Deputy Major Chris Lane.
“Our canines are an integral part of our agency’s team and they are treated with the same respect and honor as any other deputy sheriff”. “We also want to thank everyone who sent donations to our K9 Unit Fund to support our K9’s while they serve Bartholomew County and to everyone who expressed concern for Bravo”, said Sheriff Myers.
Bravo's handler is Deputy Leah Burton, and she is described as "ecstatic" over having her partner back.
