FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Officials say Iro, a K9 deputy that was shot during an exchange of gunfire between a suspect and police over the weekend, is “definitely on the right track” as he recovers from surgery.
Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt posted on the department’s Facebook page Wednesday night, providing another update on Iro’s condition and sharing a smiling photo of the K9.
“The ‘cone of shame’ never looked so good! After another day of solid progress, blowing both the feeding and oxygen tubes out of his nostrils on his own, getting the IV lines removed, taking his medicine orally, and eating regular dog food again, he’s earned the opportunity to try sleeping in the same hospital room as his handler tonight instead of sleeping in the kennel! Things are definitely on the right track, and although he’s got a long way to go yet, he’s made huge progress this week.”
Waldschmidt went on to write, “Going forward, we will continue to provide updates when he achieves other major milestones in his recovery. We can’t thank you all enough for the continued support this community (and far beyond) has shown our deputies and of course our K9.”
Another Facebook update posted Tuesday afternoon showed Iro, with bandages or casts on all four of his legs, walking as several people helped to support him.
Iro was shot and seriously wounded in the line of duty Saturday during a disturbance between authorities and a suspect, who was fatally shot.
His surgery was made possible by fellow dog Dwyer, a yellow lab owned by one of the hospital veterinary technicians where Iro is being cared for.
Dwyer’s blood type was a match to Iro’s, making it possible for the Labrador to donate his blood and help raise Iro’s blood counts to levels needed to undergo the lifesaving procedure.
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous inquiries about how to donate to the K9 program to help cover the cost of medical bills, follow up services and to support other K9 teams, which are 100% donor funded.
Those wishing to donate can send checks to:
FDL Sheriff K9 Program
PO Box 1273
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1273
Donations can also be made by credit card at the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office at 180 South Macy Street, Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm, or over the phone by calling 920-929-3372.
