‘Outstanding outpouring of support’ for K9 Pablo
NEW PHILADELPHIA – Donations are pouring in for New Philadelphia Police K9 Pablo after he was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disorder that has forced him into early retirement.
A GoFundMe account has more than $3,500 in donations toward a $10,000 goal, while separately, supporters are planning a spaghetti dinner benefit on March 7th at Dover Baptist Church.
City Safety Director Kevin Milligan says the money will be used for Pablo’s medical bills and for the police department to buy, train and equip a new K9. He described the community’s response as an “outstanding outpouring of support.”
Milligan says the K9 division is primarily funded by donations, not the city. He would like to see the city fund the care and maintenance of its police dogs, and is looking into options.
The GoFundMe account is called “Help Pablo Breathe” and is run from the Police K-9 Association – PK9A – in Canton.
Pablo is a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois. He was recently diagnosed with Laryngeal Paralysis, which restricts his breathing and will ultimately cause him to lose full use of his back legs. Milligan says Pablo underwent successful surgery last week.