FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Nearly a week after he was critically wounded in the line of duty, Iro the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s K9 deputy is returning home.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt posted on Facebook Friday evening, opening the message with an ecstatic, “WE HAVE FANTASTIC NEWS TO SHARE!”
In a video attached to the post, Iro is shown leaving the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Fox Valley with his handler, Deputy Blaine Evans. The pair is greeted by cheers and applause from a group of fellow deputies and members of the pet hospital’s staff.
Although still bandaged and casted with a noticeable limp, Iro can be seen walking — even eagerly at times — with just a bit of assistance through the crowd gathered to see him on his way. He even enjoyed a few pets and scratches.
Sheriff Waldschmidt said Iro’s release comes “after a week of making incredible strides in his recovery.”
This was much earlier than anyone predicted, but Iro met all of the metrics necessary for release and continues to progress every day. The staff and surgical team at this hospital have been amazing. Without them, Iro would not be with us today. There is lot of rehabilitation and healing still ahead, but Iro is one tough K9 that has become not only a source of inspiration and strength for our staff, but for our community and far beyond.
He added that Iro updates will be provided here and there in the future, but the daily Facebook posts will end now that the K9 is returning home with his handler.
Iro was seriously wounded Oct. 14 during an exchange of gunfire between authorities and 33-year-old Kyle Massie, who was fatally shot.
The pup’s surgery was made possible by fellow dog Dwyer, a yellow lab owned by one of the hospital veterinary technicians where Iro was 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.
“There are more deserving thank-you’s than we can possibly count, but on behalf of everyone here at your Sheriff’s Office, we THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts,” Sheriff Waldschmidt wrote in the post.
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.
