Ace is coming home!!!
Our K9 hero Ace was shot & critically injured protecting deputies and our community on Thursday nightโฆโฆitโs Sunday now, and heโs coming home.
The bad guy who shot Ace was eliminated by his handler and two other deputies at the scene.
Aceโs life was saved through the incredible work of a whole lot of people: his loyal partner, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, who quickly attended to his wounds & carried him to safety; the amazing staff and Dr. Aguayo at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland who stopped his bleeding & stabilized him; the outstanding @TGHCares @
Aeromed crew who got him quickly & safely to the amazing Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch, where Dr. Diaz performed the several-hour-long surgery to amputate Aceโs left front leg.
Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there. He has not been deterred since. In fact he outran the camera attempting to film his release this afternoon!
We would like to thank the following agencies for accompanying us to pick up Ace today and give him a big โwelcome home!โ @hainescity PD @LakelandPD Winter Haven PD, @HCSOSheriff@ManateeSheriff, Manatee Fire Rescue, Dr. Kerry Jackson from Polk County Animal Control, & of course our entire K9 Unit.
Thank you well and faithful servant, Ace. You are SUCH a good boy. We love you and will always remember your service and your sacrifice. #PolkSheriff #K9Unit #NatAndAce #WelcomeHome
๐พ๐ UPDATE ON K9 ACE:
His Life Was Saved, But His Service Will Now Come to an End.
K9 Ace has survived one of the hardest moments of his 6 year career with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
After being critically injured in the line of duty on August 6, Ace underwent surgery the following day.
The operation went well, but sadly, the damage to his front left leg was too severe to repair, and veterinarians had to amputate it.
He is now reported to be in stable condition. โค๏ธโ๐ฉน ๐โ๐ฆบ
But Ace did not face this fight alone.
From the deputies who rushed him to emergency care, to the veterinary teams who stabilized him, to the TGH Aeromed crew that transported him by helicopter for specialized treatment, an incredible chain of people came together to give this brave K9 every possible chance. ๐ ๐
And through it all, one person has remained right where Ace would expect her to be:
His partner, Deputy Natalie Oestreich. ๐ฅน ๐พ
The bond between a K9 and handler is built through years of training, trust, long shifts, and working side by side.
Deputy Oestreich has remained with Ace throughout his treatment.
Ace has served Polk County since March 2020.
Because of his injuries, his working career will now end, but he will continue living with Deputy Oestreich as part of her family. โค๏ธ ๐ก
His uniformed service may be ending, but his next mission is just beginning:
Rest, Heal, Adapt.
And enjoy the retirement you earned.
Sending strength to K9 Ace, his handler, and everyone helping this brave boy recover.
Credit: K9s United ๐ท
I show my ID to work.
I show my ID to drink.
I show my ID to fly.
I show my ID to drive.
I show my ID to marry.
I show my ID to gamble.
I show my ID to get Benadryl.
I show my ID to buy weed.
Why in the hell wouldnโt I need an ID to vote?
I just watched a press conference from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Injured K9 Ace is currently undergoing surgery.
At the very least, Ace will lose his left front leg and will have to retire from the Sheriff's K9 program.
Please keep him in your prayers. ๐๐ผ