Alexis Stevens | Thursday, October 6, 2011

But they need help paying bills for injured canine.

A Clayton County police officer injured in a crash this week is expected to make a full recovery, his wife said Wednesday. But his four-legged partner remains in critical condition, facing surgery and extensive medical care.

Now that Lakota, a 5-year-old German shepherd, has been officially relieved of his police dog duties, the officer's family must pay the veterinary bills, Corey Fox said outside the Atlanta Medical Center where her husband, Travis, is recovering.

That is because at its meeting Tuesday night, the County Commission voted to retire Lakota, according to a resolution on the county's website. Since Lakota no longer works for the county, the county isn't responsible for the dog's treatment, Fox said.

"He's more concerned about his dog's recovery than his own," she said of her husband.

The commission's agenda was amended Tuesday before the 7 p.m. meeting, Jamie Carlington, the commission spokeswoman, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was unclear whether the commission retired Lakota to avoid paying his medical costs.

"The county formally recognizes and commends canine Lakota for his years of outstanding service to the community," the resolution states.

The Foxes volunteered to accept ownership of the dog that Fox said has protected her husband countless times.

Lakota, who is at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has a shattered leg that will have to be amputated and another leg that is severely broken, Fox said. The dog may also have a broken hip and other broken bones, she said. Lakota is stable, but in very critical condition, she said.

Katherine Gilmore, spokeswoman for the veterinary hospital, told the AJC that Lakota has been sedated while awaiting surgery.

The surgery and medical care could total more than $10,000, but the hospital has agreed to cut the cost to around $3,000, Fox said. And when Lakota is released, a ramp will likely be needed at the Fox home and possibly a special bed and wheelchair, she said.

When a police dog is retired, it is offered to the handler, Sgt. Tracy Jakes told the AJC. But not accepting ownership of Lakota was not an option, Fox said.

Monday morning, Travis Fox and Lakota were headed to the scene of a suspected home invasion when their patrol vehicle crashed into a fence and tree for unknown reasons, Clayton County police said. Both the officer and Lakota were ejected.

In honor of Lakota, donations can be made to the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine's GRACE Fund, a canine emergency fund. Donations can be made online at www.vet.uga.edu/GO/grace. Checks can be mailed to the UGA College of Vet Med Development Office, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602.