The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is hoping the public can help pay for an emergency surgery for Dash, a retired K-9.
On Monday, Deputy Seth Brannan rushed his former partner to Columbia River Veterinary Hospital after the dog suffered from “gastric torsion,” a life threatening condition more commonly known as stomach flip.
Dash lost his spleen and 20 percent of his stomach, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Dash, who is 7 years old, retired from the sheriff’s office in 2013. Once police dogs retire from service, their handler assumes all financial responsibility for the remainder of the dog’s life.
The dog’s medical costs have exceeded $5,000 and local nonprofit DogPaw has set up a fund to help cover the financial costs. Those wishing to donate can do so through DogPaw’s website, clarkdogpaw.org, or by mailing a check marked “Dash Medical” to DogPaw at 13504 N.E. 84th St. #103, PMB 303, Vancouver, 98682.
Dash began working for the sheriff’s office in 2009 where he was certified in both patrol and narcotics detection and was assigned to the regional SWAT team. Dash was also on the Marijuana Eradication Short Haul Helicopter Operations, where K-9s and handlers are suspended beneath a helicopter and flown into remote areas to apprehend suspects.
