After going through surgery for major injuries sustained from a fall that occurred during a training exercise, Petaluma Police dog Rico arrived home to begin recuperating Tuesday afternoon.
His handler, Officer Mike Page, picked up Rico from the hospital. Page said Rico currently cannot use his back legs, but stressed that he does have feeling and movement in them.
"He will have to learn to walk again," said Page. "It doesn't surprise me that the first sign of movement Rico showed me was a tail wag."
According to Page, Rico's doctors feel that the 8-year-old, Holland-born Belgian Malinois has a good chance of recovering over the next four to six months.
"He has a lot of physical therapy in his future, but he is a very determined and tough dog," Page added. "I expect he will approach his recovery in the same manner he has approached every other challenge he has faced: with enthusiasm, tenacity and with no consideration for anything short of success."
As a police dog, Rico lives with the Pages. It is currently unclear if he will return to active duty.
Police Lt. Tim Lyons said that Rico's medical bills are paid for directly by the police department. He said he was unaware of any medical insurance coverage for the K9 police dogs.
The Petaluma Police Department is accepting donations to cover Rico's medical bills, which can be mailed to The Petaluma Police Department, attn: K9 Rico, 969 Petaluma Blvd. North, 94952. For more information call 778-4372.
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