SEQUIM — The Sequim Police Department reports that Chase, a K-9 officer, is recovering after a recent surgery to remove a mass from his intestines.
Police Chief Bill Dickinson said the German shepherd’s bodily functions have been restored, but his long-term prognosis is unknown at this time.
“He is feeling much better and once again showing interest in everything and wants to be more energetic than he is supposed to be while recuperating,” Dickinson said.
“He doesn’t seem to know that he is still held together with stitches and staples.”
Chase has worked with handler Sgt. Mike Hill as a tracker since 2008, and the pair have more than 100 arrests on record for the police department, assisting neighboring agencies in more than 100 instances.
Since the diagnosis, Chase has been on inactive duty, but prior to that, he served as the driving force for the Sequim Dog Park agility course and in several public demonstrations.
Chase was set to retire later this year, but Dickinson said department officials concluded that due to the dog’s age and years of service, he’s been retired and will continue living with Hill.
Chase’s tenure follows former K-9 officers Huey and Titus. The Sequim K-9 unit began in 2000, and community donations have paid almost entirely for it, including in purchasing the dog, food and health care.
Previously, Dickinson said plans to continue the K-9 program are likely following Chase’s tenure with another officer interested in taking over for Hill.
A majority of the fees come from upfront costs of purchasing a new dog, said Deputy Chief Sheri Crain, while ongoing costs such as health care and food are manageable. Training for the handler and dog is paid for by the police department.
Donations made out to the “Sequim Police Department K-9 Program” can go directly to the Sequim Police Department, 152 W. Cedar St., Sequim, WA 98382, or via phoning 360-683-7227.