Police dogs and their partners work tirelessly to provide their communities with protection and manhunt services. They are by far, one of the most honorable public service members of all.
To hear a story of one being shot in the line of duty is indescribably heartbreaking. You have to be a stone cold, heartless criminal to hurt a police dog.
ABC News/YouTube
In this case, Bruno the K-9 German Shepherd was shot in the face while in pursuit of a suspect in Anaheim, California.
And not just shot but he actually placed himself in the line of fire to protect other officers. That’s the stuff movies are made of.
Bruno was the ultimate hero that day. And tears ensue.
ABC News/YouTube
I can only imagine the scene seeing your best friend and companion being shot. Bruno was taken to the hospital immediately.
“Bruno was shot point blank, it was a horrific thing to have to watch,” he told ABC News. “My entire world came tumbling down in the matter of a second.”
Luckily the bullet just missed his heart but it did go into his lung. Bruno also suffered a shattered jaw. After two surgeries he was able to come off his breathing tube.
A week after that Bruno and his partner Officer R.J. Young had an emotional reunion. Watch how these two are bonded for life.
“The bond is unexplainable, seeing him the way he is, it kills me,” said Young.
ABC News/YouTube
Since his near-fatal shooting, Bruno is now back to 100% and retired from police service. After spending six years on the force, he now lives at home with Officer Young and his family. Young says,
“He’s like a son to me. Bruno will be with me for the rest of my life.”
Officer Young now has a new partner, a two-year-old named Yukon. Once a K-9 police partner always a K-9 police partner! I’m so happy with this outcome!
