Once Destined to be K9 Needs Surgery

Meet Rumble. An 8-month-old German Shepherd. Rumble was “hired” by the South Burlington Police Department as a fluffy puppy to be their next Police K-9. Rumble showed great potential as he learned new tasks quickly and bonded with his handler, Officer Sarah Bellavance. Rumble went to work with Sarah every day since she picked him up. At work he was beginning to learn article and people searches, which co-workers he was most likely to get snacks from, belly rubs, and showing the public how well-behaved he was. As Rumble grew older, he began to show signs of discomfort and after running around, he had a severe limp. The Police Department wanted to make sure their future K-9 was on track physically, so they scheduled an appointment with a vet. After the appointment with x-rays, they learned devastating news. Rumble had bilateral (both sides) Un-united Anconeal Process (UAP), a form of elbow dysplasia. Rumble was then brought to a specialist a few days later and underwent even more diagnostics (a CT scan), which showed in addition to UAP, Rumble also had what is called Fragmentation of the Coronoid Process in one of his elbows; another form of elbow dysplasia.Sarah learned even with surgery, the physical demands of being a Police K-9 would be too much for the already 80 pound German Shepherd. With this information, the Department made the decision to “retire” Rumble. Upon his way too early retirement Rumble was welcomed to Sarah’s home as her new family pet where he can live a happy and less strenuous life.Rumble needs surgery on both of his elbows. This surgery is needed as it will alleviate pain so he can live a happier and healthier life. Without the surgery, pain and arthritis will most likely set in at a young age. The longer Rumble goes without the surgery, the worse his condition will become. The Police Department funded Rumble’s diagnostics (who knew CT scans would be so much!). Sarah and Rumble need your help to help pay for his surgery so he can be a well-loved house dog, and live a long life without being in pain. Any received donations not spent on Rumble’s surgery and his aftercare will go directly back into the SBPD’s K-9 fund to be used towards the next K-9.

**Update 12/07/2017: Wow! I am humbled by the amount of support we have received over the last week. The vet estimated the surgery would cost close to $4,000. I have increased the goal amount to cover any potential unexpected medical issues that could arise during surgery. As stated below, all money not used directly for Rumble’s surgery and aftercare, will be used towards the next SBPD K9.