Ret.Police K9 Cruz-ER Spinal Surgery:Help Needed!

Retired Police K9 Cruz developed a limp two days ago after playing ball. He took a turn for the worse yesterday when he was unable to stand or walk. It was scary to see such a confident, athletic, strong dog and member of our family in this state. We immediately took him to ER clinic in our rural area last night; Cruz was unable to receive a diagnosis due to imaging equipment limitations.

Today Tyler met the staff at a more equipped veterinary facility at 10 am. Within two hours, Cruz had received a CT scan, bloodwork and was on the operating table for emergency spinal surgery. It was a whirlwind of a day, and as this is written, we can’t believe he is still with us. Our family thought we were saying our final goodbyes to Cruz.

Tyler wrote: “Cruz and I had been partnered in February 2015 until his retirement from service in March 2021. He was trained in patrol and narcotic detection. After he trained me to be a handler and we learned to work as a team, we were assigned to a high-risk fugitive apprehension team for the San Jose Police Department in California. Cruz was responsible for over 30 apprehensions of violent felons, including homicide and robbery suspects, and assisted in the peaceful surrender of over 500 high-risk suspects. Cruz, without a doubt, prevented injury to the public from fleeing suspects and prevented injuries or worse to officers and myself. He never hesitated to go into places that would cause the rest of us to hesitate.”

K9 Cruz just came out of surgery and is recovering in ICU for the next several days. The surgeon will be evaluating Cruz closely. The surgeon is cautiously optimistic about his recovery; the next 24 hours are critical. Retired K9 Cruz is recovering, and the cost of Cruz’s vet bill for the surgery and care he received is currently at $16,755. Any amount that is contributed to help K9 Cruz with this emergency would be greatly appreciated.

Cruz is in otherwise good health, high drive, and still has the best years ahead, taking walks on the beach and playing ball with our kids. We are forever grateful to him for his service and hope we can help him get the full extent of the care he needs.

***Any funds raised over the goal amount will be donated to assist future K9’s in need through the Police & Working K9 Foundation.

All donations made through this Go Fund Me are tax-deductible through this non-profit.

Thank you for your help.

K9 Cruz and The Krauel Family