Thanks to Zoetis retired K-9 Chase gets the medical attention he needs.
When K-9 Chase worked for Ventura County Sheriff, he had an accomplished career detecting narcotics. The 7-year-old Labrador has found hundreds of thousands of dollars in everything from suitcases and FedEx packages to oil pans in a truck. Chase retired in 2015 and now lives with his former handler, Sergeant Jason Cantrall.
Cantrall explains how retirement has suited Chase well: “He loves long walks outdoors—that’s the Labrador in him.” Chase blends right in with the family; Cantrall’s kids have even trained Chase how to open their sliding screen doors. In fact, K-9 Chase has used this newfound skill to sneak around the house. Most importantly, Cantrall points out how “he has been a very healthy dog and never required medical attention.”
This changed, however, when “Chase was not eating and had a very sick look to him, so I knew it was something more than a stomach illness.” Camino Animal Clinic, CA found that Chase had a 104.5 temperature, which led to the discovery of his bladder infection and Prostatitis.
Cantrall explains how “It was definitely a whirlwind of emotions and trying to get Chase well—the bond you have with your K-9 is like no other.” Thankfully, thanks to a course of prescribed medications, Chase would return “back to his playful self.”
Despite Chase’s recovery, Cantrall describes the experience as “a terrible weekend financially.” Chase’s medical bills, in addition to other unexpected home expenses, led to an accumulation of thousands of dollars in debt over just a few days.
After applying for a grant from the National Police Dog Foundation’s Retired K-9 Medical Fund, Sergeant Cantrall was awarded a grant thanks to generous donors like Zoetis. As the largest global animal health company, Zoetis takes it’s giving back to the community very seriously. Not only do they donate tens of thousands of dollars to retired K-9s through their K-9 Courage Program, (click here to read more) but they also designate a $10,000.00 annual donation to the Foundation’s Retired K-9 Medical Fund. Thanks to generous donations like this, the Foundation was able to grant funds to pay for Chase’s medical bills.
“Without the extra support the Foundation receives from Zoetis every year we couldn’t help retired K-9s like Chase. Zoetis has been such a blessing to many retired K-9s who need help after they have given so much to their communities,” says Evan Anderson, a National Police Dog Foundation board member who administers medical grant applications.
Cantrall expressed how “It is awesome that the National Police Dog Foundation is there to help out police departments, K-9s, and their handlers not only for in-service dogs but the retired ones too. I am very humble and appreciative of the Foundation helping me in Chase’s situation.”
The National Police Dog Foundation is thankful for Zoetis’ support in allowing retired K-9s to receive medical help without the financial burden. The Foundation is proud to help ensure that K-9 Chase will continue to live a happy and healthy retirement.
Our Retired K-9 Medical Fund offers grants that assist Retired K-9s and Handlers with costs related to emergency medical expenses. It is equally important to provide continued care for the police service dog after it retires. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these K-9s for their dedication and service, and is proud to assist in the medical emergency care for retired K-9s. These dogs have given their whole lives to protect us, its time to give something back. Please click on the button below to donate to our Retired K-9 Medical Fund. The K-9s need your help.
.fusion-button.button-9{width:auto;}CLICK HERE To Donate to the Retired K-9 Medical Fund