Vet Techs Dog Donates Blood To Save K9s Life After Shooting

FONDS DU LAC, Wisconsin. (Gray News) - A Wisconsin K-9 was seriously injured Saturday morning, but he has a chance of survival thanks to another dog.

According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office, K-9 Iro was shot when officers responded to a gun alarm.

When officers arrived, they found a man in the vehicle and an exchange of gunfire ensued, officials said. The suspect died at the scene and K-9 Iro suffered a serious gunshot wound.

No other officers were injured, the sheriff's office said.

K-9 Iro was taken to an emergency animal hospital for medical treatment.

Before the lengthy surgery, K-9 Iro was stabilized thanks to a blood transfusion from another dog.

The sheriff's office said the yellow lab named Dwyer, who belongs to a veterinary technician, had a blood type that matched K-9 Iro.

“Dwyer’s blood type matched our K-9 and the veterinarian and Dwyer wanted to donate his blood to help our K-9,” the sheriff’s office said. “The transfusion worked and increased the amount of blood to perform this important operation.”

After undergoing extensive surgery, K-9 Iro remains in critical but stable condition.

"He's not out of the woods yet, but he is a young, healthy and strong dog, and his team of professionals are doing everything they can to help him," the sheriff's office said. "He was awake and alert enough to meet with his vice principal this morning and was able to spend some time growing his favorite toy (a tennis ball) before surgery."

On Monday, K-9 Iro was stable and without any major setbacks. He spent time with his owner and “went outside” to get some fresh air in his hospital bed.

“Tonight he looked up and saw his favorite toy, a tennis ball. All very positive signs," the officials said.

The goal on Tuesday was to board the K-9 Iro. He far exceeded that goal, standing up with the help of the vets and even taking a few slow steps.

The suspect's murder is being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Investigation Division.

The deputy involved was wearing a body camera during the shooting. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave per department policy.

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