K9 Arko

K9 Arko was a 9-year-old retired Police K9 with the West Terre Haute Police Department. In January 2023 he was rushed to the vet where they found a Splenic Hemangiosarcoma which was bleeding into his belly. Obviously, Arko’s handler choose to have emergent surgery to help him. They removed many small tumors and his spleen however, there were many more inoperable tumors left behind. After recovering from surgery Arko was brought home and lived out his life until his condition worsened, and he crossed over the rainbow bridge on February 9th, 2023. Arko’s handler is a very private person and the type who would never ask for a handout or charity but I am raising money to help with Arko’s vet bills. Caleb has always been such a selfless person that I believe it's time someone helps him. He has dedicated his life to service from being a Firefighter, EMT then Paramedic. He then joined the Police department and fundraised the funds himself to start the K9 unit at his department. Caleb received Arko as a puppy and the training began. They were both very well respected within the K9 community. Before retirement, they competed at the 20th annual K9 Olympics and received 1st place in the building narcotics search and 2nd place in Narcotic Team overall. He then went to nursing school while still being a police officer and worked in the ICU. He then retired from police work to attend CRNA school and at that time K9 ARKO retired as well continuing to live his best life with Caleb. The reason I tell you about Arko’s handler is because after everything they have been through the last thing he and his family should worry about is the bills that accumulated trying to save his partner and best friend's life. The bond that K9 handlers and their partner's share is something truly amazing to see, from the countless hours on patrol, training and then coming home. Arko was more than just Caleb’s partner, he was his family. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for any donations.