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Wounded Police Dog Goes Home For Night
Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:57 AM
Print StoryE-mail StoryCOLUMBUS, Ohio — A Zanesville police dog that was shot in the line of duty last month woke up with his human partner on Sunday.
Bosco, a Dutch shepherd that has been recovering at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, was allowed to spend Saturday night at home with Officer Mike Schiele.
Bosco left the hospital wearing an Ohio State football jersey. The dog is expected to return to Columbus on Sunday to resume treatment.
Schiele and Bosco were shot Aug. 22 while attempting to serve a warrant in Zanesville, police said.
Schiele is recovering from a gunshot wound to the leg, but Bosco's injuries were more serious. The dog was shot in the chest and neck, and veterinarians were initially concerned that the animal would be paralyzed.
According to updates posted on the hospital's Web site earlier this week, Bosco is continuing to make progress. The dog has been moved out of the intensive care unit and is beginning to move his front limbs.
His appetite and spirits are good.
**Update**
Zanesville Police Officer Mike Schiele says that his partner, Bosco, made his first visit home this weekend. Veterinary professionals encouraged the visit, believing that Bosco would gain some extra motivation from the experience.
Schiele says that Bosco is now able to rise and stand on all four legs on his own, at times. Bosco even took a short walk, with assistance, and visited a few neighbors this weekend. Schiele explains that Bosco wears a harness that allows a person to help support his weight as he walks. Bosco continues to engage in several hours of daily physical therapy, including “range of motion” exercises to build his mobility. According to Schiele, Bosco is using his hind legs very well, and veterinarians have credited his swift recovery to an active lifestyle. Schiele says that Bosco may have to complete up to a year of therapy until he recovers to the fullest possible extent.