GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids Police Department K-9 named Dozer was seriously injured in a crash in August. FOX 17 recently spoke to Dozer’s handler, who shared an update on the dog’s progress.
Early on August 4, Dozer was injured after a speeding vehicle hit a GRPD cruiser at Madison Avenue and Hall Street. The crash caused serious injuries to Dozer’s rear legs. He was also later diagnosed with severe injuries to his spinal column.
Later that month, Dozer was released from the animal hospital and continued to recover at home with his handler: Officer Teddy Vanvliet.
On Thursday, Officer Vanvliet brought Dozer to see members of the local media. The dog was able to get out of Vanvliet's police cruiser and walked around the area.
"He's at a good level right now," said Vanvliet. "But at the same time, it's, it was a traumatic injury, and we're still battling through that."
Dozer's treatment includes time on the water, time on a treadmill, and laser therapy.
Whether or not Dozer returns to active duty is still up in the air. Vanvliet says that the recovery process has been tough for both of them.
"It's tough going from kind of the level we were at, and how well we were doing, to all sudden it's been taken away a little bit," said Vanvliet. "But we're getting by at home. He's trying to get them a little more used to be in at home since he's spending a little bit more time, but it's going pretty well."
Vanvliet also says that no matter what happens, his love for Dozer will never change.
The video of Dozer from the event can be watched below:
