Then came the decision: to retire Falco or pay for the surgery. Sheriff Richard K. Jones said taking care of his “employee” was a choice he doesn’t regret.
“It was a pretty easy decision. He is a loyal, good employee, and it wasn’t time for him to retire,” Jones said. “He is a good dog who had more years left to give.”
Dr. Susanna Schwartz at MedVet performed the surgery in February, and Rhoads and his family nursed the dog through recovery. He recovered in the living room of the family’s home.
“He had to be moved with a sling for a while,” Rhoads said, noting around the clock medication was also required.
Thankfully, Falco will eat anything covered in peanut butter, Rhoads said.
By April, Falco was up and and ready for work patrolling the streets with Rhoads.
“It was tough not to have him with me,” Rhoads said, adding Falco is always ready to got to work. The dog is trained in drug detection, tracking and apprehension.
Treating Falco was also more cost effective for the sheriff’s office.
Purchasing a new dog, then training it with an officer has the price tag of about $16,000, said Lt. Jeff Reigert. Falco’s surgery and follow up treatment cost about $1,800.
“You have to also look at the dog. This breed is high strung and tends to be on the job longer than some,” Reigert said, adding Falco had also proven himself in the field.
Rhoads said he hopes to have Falco as his partner for a least another two years.
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