Lakota Follows the Healing Path in Athens

This patient is feeling a little blue.

He’s away from his home and his job, with no family or colleagues nearby. The pain medicine has affected his appetite, so he’s not eating well. Sleep is difficult because in a hospital, they keep checking his vital signs.

They’ve been taking him outside regularly, for a sniff of air, and that’s helping.  If only he could remember what happened to his person, Lakota the police dog would probably feel a lot better.

Clayton County Police Officer Travis Fox is, like his canine partner, recovering from a Monday morning car crash. Their police vehicle smashed into a fence and tree en route to a police call, and both were ejected.

According to UGA veterinary orthopedist Scott Rose, Lakota, 5, came to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital on Tuesday with multiple broken ribs, internal bleeding, pulmonary bruising and fractured legs.

Rose said Lakota “has been a trooper.” The internal bleeding has stopped. The dog will undergo surgery tomorrow, during which body plates and internal pins will be inserted.

The German Shepherd will spend a few days in the hospital. A full recovery could take as long as 12 weeks, Dr. Rose said.

“We usually see dogs that have been hit by cars,” said Dr. Rose. “I’ve never seen an injured one that was riding in a car.”