Oregon officers praying for swift recovery for K9 Arlo injured in the line of duty
When a police K9 goes out on patrol with their handler, they put their life on the line just like their human companion. Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K9 Officer Arlo is just the latest K9 to get injured in the line of duty. A German shepherd, Arlo suffered life-threatening injuries during the incident.
K9 Officer Arlo and his handler give chase
It all started with a car chase of an armed suspect along I-5 South in Grand Mound, Oregon. As the chase ended, Arlo took part in the apprehension of the suspect. Before the incident was over, gunfire had erupted, and both Arlo and the suspect were injured.
Arlo suffers major injuries
During the exchange of gunfire, Arlo was hit twice. One of the bullets went into his leg while the other entered his shoulder and neck. After being rushed to a local veterinarian clinic, vets worked to stabilize the K9. During the surgery to save his life it was discovered that one of the bullets was lodged near his spine.
Racing to save Arlo’s life
Surgery to remove the bullet was scheduled for the following Friday with specialists at Oregon State University in Corvallis. According to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, where Arlo worked, vets first had to reduce his fever, which had risen to 104 degrees heading into the surgery.
Once that was under control, they worked to for eight hours remove the bullet and fused seven of his vertebrae, among other procedures. Unfortunately, his injuries prohibit him from returning to work and Arlo will have to retire. Arlo’s department, as well as others around the area, gave Arlo a hero’s escort on his trip home.
“Nearly the entire trip home K-9 Arlo and Deputy Turpin had a Police Escort with lights and sirens, starting from OSU by the OSU PD,” deputies wrote. “When Deputy Turpin and K-9 Arlo arrived home, they were greeted by neighbors, friends, firefighters, fellow K-9 handlers from multiple organizations from local and surrounding counties, and a multitude of law enforcement officers from all local agencies and surrounding county and police agencies.”
Returning home a hero
With the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office for a little over a year, and has over 1.6 million on his TikTok. He is now at home recovering from his injuries and can look forward to days filled with play and plenty of love from his family.
Check out this video of K9 Officer Arlo leaving the hospital to head home to continue his recovery from his injuries.
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