Retired Bridgeport Police Dog Needs Medical Help - WBOY-TV

FAIRMONT -- The Bridgeport Police Department recently retired its drug dog because of a serious medical problem.

Now, a local veterinary office is trying to get the dog the treatment he needs.

After nearly 5 years as a member of the Bridgeport Police Department, Czar, the department's drug dog, entered retirement.

The department is already training his replacement.

Czar's former partner and now owner, Patrolmen Scott Carpenter, is hoping Czar will live out the rest of his years as a pet.

But, that will not be possible without medical help.

Patrolmen Scott Carpenter and Czar have been partners for years, tracking down drugs and criminals on the streets of Bridgeport.

"He was involved in ending an armed standoff in 2007, and he was able to find 10 1/2 pounds of marijuana at a post office in Clarksburg," said Patrolmen Scott Carpenter.

All that work took its toll though.

"It's affecting the nerves from his neck going into his legs. He can't feel his legs or feet real well, so he's not able to run or walk like a normal dog," said Carpenter.

Doctors diagnosed Czar with a neurological condition that ended his career as a member of the Bridgeport Police Department.

"Every day right now, he still goes to the back door of the cruiser by himself, ready to go to to work. So it's going to be tough for him," said Carpenter.

The Fairmont Veterinary Hospital is holding a rabies clinic Wednesday evening. Pets can be vaccinated at a discounted cost, with all proceeds going to pay for Czar's medical expenses.

"Right now, it's going to cause a significant amount of discomfort. Even though if you look at him, he doesn't show it, it has to be uncomfortable. Also, it's causing him to stumble, on the left more so than the right. That's what causing him to not be able to work at this point," said Doctor Scott Moore, a Veterinarian at Fairmont Veterinary Hospital.

Czar isn't happy about retirement, but without surgery to repair his spine, even retirement might not be an option.

"It could lead to complete paralysis," said Dr. Moore.

The Fairmont Veterinary Hospital is holding a discounted rabies clinic Wednesday evening Nov. 18 from 6 until 8 p.m., at the office on Gaston Avenue in Fairmont.

All proceeds go to Czar's medical bills. It will cost around $3,500 for an MRI and surgery.

Unfortunately such canine neurosurgery is very specialized, as is veterinary MRI. There are probably very many states like ours that d not have such specialists.

I am assuming this will be done at Ohio State, which has some of the finest veterinary facilities in the world.

Aren't their any vets in wv willing to do this service for free?

I agree with the poster if he is a retired police officer injured **in the line of duty**. IF that part about the line of duty has been CONFIRMED and agreed upon by those in charge then it should be a no brainer. He is ENTITLED to this operation and is being kicked when he is down.

It truly amazes me how the system works. He may be an animal, but he put his life in harms way when ever he was called to do so, and did it because he loved the person who was handling him. He didn't know the *why* of the job. You would think the city would at least have some money put aside for these animals that work for them for these situations. They are not just work animals, they are an OFFICER OF THE LAW. They work on the force right along side of the men and women who also protect us. I mean come on, he needs the medical treatment, pay for it.

This was a Bridgeport City quasi-employee. Treated the same legally as a regular police officer. The City of Bridgeport needs to pay for his care just like a workman's Comp claim.

With the time and expenses involved with these "police officers"I am surprised that there isn't any form of canine health insurance on them. Compared to out of pocket expenses for treatment the cost of a policy is minimal. The AKC offers a great policy and there are several other companies out there. It is quicker to reemburse than our people insurance.

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