 |
Late at night on October 25th, Ventura County Sheriff Senior Deputy
Dean Worthy and his K9 partner, Balu, were searching for drugs thrown
by a suspect in Moorpark. When the suspect threw the discarded
methamphetamine it had spilled out of a plastic baggie. Tragically,
when Balu sniffed and located the drug, he inhaled some of the spilled
methamphetamine. Soon after Senior Deputy Worthy noticed that Balu was
having a seizure and quickly transported him to the Thousand Oaks Pet
Emergency Clinic.
Balu immediately showed signs of methamphetamine overdose including
seizures, elevated blood pressure, elevated pulse, and abnormal
behavior. As part of his emergency treatment Balu was admitted into
the ICU of the pet clinic and treated for the overdose. Due to the
close bond between Balu and his handler, Deputy Worthy remained with
his dog laying, sleeping and comforting Balu at the clinic for the
next 20 hours. Balu has since been released for home monitoring and is
being treated numerous times a day by the Sheriff K9 vet Dr. Ron
Dalzell. He remains under observation to determine if he will continue
to have seizures or have other complications due to the drug overdose.
It is unknown when Balu will be able to return to duty or will have to
medically retire.
The Ventura County Sheriff's K9 Unit is completely funded by private
donations which pay for medical bills, training, food, equipment, etc.
Due to low funding this year, the K9 unit would greatly appreciate any
donations to assist with Balu's medical expenses.
Click here to donate
or mail donations to:
Ventura County Sheriff's Foundation - K9 Unit
800 S. Victoria Ave L3320
Ventura, CA 93009
attn: Balu
Non-Profit Tax ID # 203780163 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
