SHIRLEY, Ind. -- A Hancock County police department asking for help in caring for a K-9 officer recovering from a life-saving surgery has reached its $5,000 goal, according to an online fundraising page.
"Charon" is a 6-year-old K-9 officer that serves not just Shirley, Indiana, but all of Hancock and surrounding counties. He is funded solely by community donations. A recent surgery to save his life went well, but his medical bills remain unpaid.
The 120-pound German shepherd underwent emergency surgery last month to save his life after his stomach somehow became twisted.
"His sides were very swollen. Once I felt his sides, they were very hard," said Assistant Police Chief Brian Pryor, Charon's partner. "I made a phone call, contacted the doctor, the vet, and they said get him here immediately."
The surgery was a success, but the department says it cost $4,500 it doesn't have. Money in a special K-9 officer fund was wiped out by another vet bill earlier this year.
So Pryor and the Shirley Police Department asked for help.
"If you can spare … I don't care if it's a roll of pennies; that stuff adds up. If you can donate it and you don't mind, it would be a great cause," Pryor said.
To find more information about Charon, click here.
The department said any additional funds will go toward the dog's normal care and supplies.
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