Since the Friday nigh shooting, we've been updating you on the condition of Zeke, a Harrisburg Police Dog who was shot in the line of duty on Friday.
On Monday, the news continues to be good for Zeke who has now been released from the Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma Center.
The out pouring of concern and emotion shown for Zeke, a 56 pound Belgian Malinois, has really been amazing our CBS21 Facebook page has had thousands of views checking on this much loved police dog.
There are about 140 human and four K-9 officers with the Harrisburg Police force. When Zeke was shot in the line of duty Friday night, emergency care had to happen fast to save his life.
Dr. Mark Meyerhoff, is an Emergency Medical Veterinarian. He took care of Zeke from the moment he appeared at the trauma center. "The agreement with the police department and with Life Lion for an officer down, wether that be a human or a canine was immensely valuable, it made all the difference in Zeke recovering."
Meyerhoff says the EMS on Life Lion helped save Zeke's life. "They did an outstanding job, they actually placed the initial line, the Life Lion EMS group."
"When Zeke came in and I saw Corporal Meik getting off of that chopper my heart sunk and watching Zeke heal was wonderful." Said Sabrena Meyerhoff, Dr. Meyerhoff's wife. It makes me feel good that as a society we are willing to do that for our canine police officers."
Zeke is a Belgium Malinois. Harrisburg Police Captain Annette Oates says this breed is typically used in the police or military. "They are frequently used in the capacity of law enforcement, the military uses these dogs, in fact the same type of dog was involved in the raid on Bin Laden."
Oates says, even though Zeke is a dog, he's still a valuable member of the department. "He's four legged and has fur, but he is still one of us and he's our hero, a fighter and he is a real asset to our department."
Because of the ongoing investigation and the emotion of reuniting with his dog Corporal Ty Meik didn't want to speak with the media, but the joy from Zeke was easy to see and soon Zeke will be back to work.
CBS 21 News was told, Zeke may be able to do light training within 30 days, because his wounds are healing rapidly.
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Veterinarians from a Cumberland County animal hospital treating a police dog shot on Friday says they'll release him today.
CBS 21 News learned Animal Emergency Medical Center in Mechanicsburg treated Zeke, the Harrisburg K-9, and will released him today.
On Friday, the 2½-year-old Belgian Malinois was shot in the neck by a suspect in a Dauphin County police chase. On Saturday, the four-legged crime fighter was in surgery for two hours.
While Zeke's costs have been covered, the animal hospital has set up a fund to help low-income pet owners pay for emergency medical treatment. The "Animal Emergency Fund" will secure money for injured animals and get the medical treatment they need. Anybody interested in donating can mail a check payable to the "Animal Emergency Fund" to Animal Emergency Medical Center at 4930 Ritter Road, Suite 101, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 17055.
