Retired K-9 Hero, a 9-year-old German Shepherd that served for Cal State Channel Islands PD, CA, recently received medical care for prostatitis through the aid of the NPDF Retired K-9 Medical Fund. This fund assists handlers with the costs related to the ongoing care of their retired K-9s.
While Hero was working in the service, he excelled in his job of narcotics detection and patrol, and he aided in protecting his handler, tracking suspects or missing persons, and performing various other roles throughout the community.
Hero’s work did not end with his retirement. To this day, he serves his community by visiting children’s hospitals, retirement homes, Ronald McDonald Houses, and more, and also works for celebrities in Hollywood.
Several months ago, Hero’s former handler, Dan Borgstrom, became concerned for Hero’s health when he noticed that Hero was excreting blood with his urination. Borgstrom approached Dr. Ron Dalzell, an NPDF veterinary partner who had treated Hero in the past, and Dalzell referred Borgstrom to Dr. Frier at Camino Animal Clinic. Dr. Frier determined that Hero was experiencing prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, and recommended surgery.
Hero underwent successful surgery, and according to Borgstrom, “Within a week or two, Hero was back to running around, conducting community events, hiking, and playing with our two sons.”
Borgstrom gives a great deal of thanks to the NPDF, Dr. Dalzell, and Dr. Frier in the care of Hero. “What many folks may not realize is that upon a police dog’s retirement, the sole responsibility of that K-9’s expenses falls upon the handler. For our family of four, with medical bills and expenses of our own, this assistance from the NPDF, and their charitable partners, meant a great deal,” he says. “Hero is an integral member of our family, and has been the greatest partner I have ever known professionally. I will be forever grateful to those who made our partnership possible, and the NPDF, for their tireless work in advancing this most worthy cause.”
Written by Nicole Hymovitz
Photo Credit: Photo below with K-9 Hero and chopper, courtesy Robert Inglis
The NPDF is proud to give aid not only to active K-9s, but also those that have already retired and completed their service.