MULLINS, SC (WBTW) – A Marion County K-9 officer is home after being shot and undergoing surgery.
K-9 Kilo has returned home following a successful operation, according to NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s website. Kilo is a 2-year-old bloodhound with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. He is trained to track missing people and fugitives.
Kilo underwent a three-hour surgery on Thursday, where an orthopedic surgeon placed “a permanent stainless steel plate and pin in Kilo’s femur and removed bullet pieces,” the college’s website said. The bullet appeared to have hit bone and shattered, which lead to “extensive soft tissue damage.”
Kilo was discharged on Monday. He will return to NCSU in eight weeks for a check-up. Kilo will be able to be re-introduced slowly back to work if all goes well.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace released a statement about K-9 Kilo on Facebook, saying:
“April 2nd was one of the most gut wrenching days since being elected Sheriff of Marion County.
To get a call that an officer has been shot takes your breath away. K9 Kilo is our newest addition to the team but has made a huge impact in a short period of time. Kilo’s sweet disposition and mild temperament allow us to take Kilo into the schools. Children love to pet his floppy ears and he relishes the affection.
Our K9s are family. They offer us unwavering devotion and dedication. How can we offer them anything less in return? This is why we chose NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine for Kilo’s specialized treatment. We sincerely appreciate the meticulous care he has received thus far and look forward to working together in the future as Kilo progresses in his recovery.”
