After K9 is shot five times, a generous donation saves his life
While human patrol officers are usually issued a bullet-proof vest as a part of their normal gear, their furry counterparts are not as fortunate. Organizations, such as Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. are trying to change that, raising funds to donate ballistic vests so that the nation’s K9 cops can be more protected.
Forming a strong bond between handler and K9
One K9 named Gabo has these efforts to thank for his survival. Working with the Jonesboro Police Department in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the K9 has worked with his handler Officer Erik Johnson for eight years. The two have formed an almost unbreakable bond in that time.
Getting the call
The biggest test of their partnership came when Johnson and Gabo were called as backup to a shooting incident. A woman had taken a shot at a man entering her home to perform a wellness check. Then, when the police showed up, she shot at them as well. Next, Johnson and Gabo were called to the scene.
The only one for the job
Gabo had recently received a bullet-proof vest as a donation from the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Gabo was the only canine in the department with such a vest, so he was uniquely qualified for the job. This also meant he would be going into a hostile situation, one which he might not come out of alive.
A brief talk
As the two prepared to enter the home, Johnson had a brief talk with Gabo. “[I] open up the back door, reached in and started petting Gabo,” Johnson said. “[I] pet Gabo, told him I was sorry for what was going to happen. Told him I loved him. God. Told him I loved him and told him I was sorry for what I was going to do to him.”
Shot point blank 5 times
As the two entered the home, Johnson’s worst fears came to pass. The woman immediately shot Gabo five times. As Gabo lay there injured, the rest of the officers engaged in a shootout with the suspect and were able to get control of the situation. Once in control, the officers turned their attention to Gabo, who lay there motionless on the floor.
Gabo was rushed to the animal hospital
Grabbing his companion, Johnson rushed him to the nearest animal hospital.
“The whole time we’re driving to the vet … Gabo just stood in the back of our vehicle and just looked out the window like nothing was wrong,” Johnson said. “Get to the vet and pull up … he’s in obvious pain and he’s bleeding everywhere, but he walks through the hall … he turned and he jumped on the table He just did it on his own.”
Once there, Gabo underwent emergency surgery. Following his life-saving surgery, it was time for Gabo to recover. For his part, Officer Johnson was there every step of the way, refusing to leave his partner’s side.
Gabo had survived his wounds thanks to the donation of his ballistic vest. Without it, chances are he would have died. For more on how you can donate, visit the Vested Interest in K9s Website. Here is a video of Gabo’s release from the hospital.
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