Former police dog has happy ending after losing his leg to cancer
Blue, a former police dog, was forced to retire after he was diagnosed with cancer that cost him his leg - but he now has a new home, best pal, and life.
A former police dog who lost his leg to cancer has found a new home with a wrinkly new best pal.
Blue, a three-year-old bloodhound, was forced to retire from the Billerica, Massachusetts police department this month after he was diagnosed with cancer.
The K-9 officer developed a soft tissue sarcoma, which is a form of cancer that grows rapidly if left untreated.
Blue’s trainer, Sargent John Harring and his fellow officers made the tough decision to give their furry coworker up to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm.
A MSPCA medical team decided to amputate Blue’s leg to stop the cancer from spreading any further, fearing it may reach his vital organs.
The surgery was performed by Dr Nick Trout, who told KOCO: ‘Amputation would offer Blue the best chance at trying to cure this form of cancer.’
Although the surgery and loss of his front-right leg cost Blue his job with the police, it likely saved his life.
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After the surgery, Blue spend some time recovering, then the MSPCA put him up for adoption.
Meaghan O’Leary, director of adoption at the MSPCA, said: ‘He is a wonderful dog – well trained, friendly, and social – and we think his new “tripod” status makes him all the more adorable.’
This week, Blue went to his new home on the South Shore after he was adopted by a family who did not want to be named.
Another bloodhound named Gertrude also lives at the house and the pair ‘immediately fell for each other, the family said.
Although the family has remained anonymous, the have shared some photos of Blue and Gertrude and the two new pals look like they are getting along just fine.