ECPD K-9 Unit helps save dog bitten by rattlesnake

SAN DIEGO — CBS 8 obtained new video of Jester, the K-9 police dog, as he’s recovering from a stab wound after catching a suspect in El Cajon.

It all began final week on Wednesday when El Cajon Police responded to Roanoke Road after experiences of a person slashing automotive tires with a butcher’s knife close to Cajon Valley Middle School.

When they arrived on scene, he had already punctured 25 tires and wouldn’t drop the knife, after which he took off working. Afraid he’d run to the center college close by and endanger kids there, his handler launched Jester. During the wrestle, the person stabbed Jester within the head, proper behind his ear.

After suspect Rani Alrais was arrested, they rushed Jester to the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in La Mesa the place his damage might be handled.

“Jester had lost a lot of blood and the vets were working on him when we came in,” stated K-9 Sergeant Michael Murphy. “It seemed very serious at the time. The vets were working on him, and he was still awake.”

Fortunately, the stab wound was handled with out complication.

“Vets do what vets do and the emergency hospital gave him the best treatment,” stated Sgt. Murphy. “They were able to see that he didn’t get any vital organs hit and they were able to stop the bleeding.”

While Sergeant Murphy and the opposite officers had been completely satisfied Jester was going to be okay, they seen a pair of two ½ year previous German Shepherds being handled for rattlesnake bites, and considered one of them was in fairly unhealthy form.

“The male had gotten hit in his tongue by the rattlesnake, so he was in pretty grave condition,” stated Sgt. Murphy.

Knowing how costly blood work and vials of anti-venom could be, Sgt. Murphy, who’s president of the El Cajon Canine Officers Association, determined to assist this household out with a $1,300 donation from the nonprofit to pay for Sampson’s therapy.

“He was getting the one treatment of anti-venom so we said we would cover any additional anti-venom that the dog needed and the blood work to help that family out,” stated Sgt. Murphy.

Sampson’s proprietor, Margaret Hodges, expressed gratitude for the beneficiant deed on this Facebook submit:

“Thank You El Cajon Police Department K-9 Unit!

Wednesday morning two of my canines had been bitten by a 5 ft rattle snake. Sampson was bitten severely whereas defending his litter mate, Vala. Her chew was much less extreme. I rushed them to Pet Emergency Center in La Mesa. Both got anti-venom injections and had been left there for statement noting that the Emergency Team was actually involved about Sampson and the additional therapy he would wish.

As it occurred Sgt. Michael Murphy of the El Cajon PD K-9 Unit and different El Cajon PD Officers had been on the Pet Emergency Center with K9 Officer Jester. Jester had simply been stabbed. While Jester was being handled, the El Cajon PD Officers noticed Sampson and wished to assist.

Around 6 p.m., I obtained a name from the Emergency Center. Vala was going to be advantageous. Sampson would require one other anti-venom injection and additional monitoring. The vet stated don’t fear about the fee for this, it’s been taken care of! I couldn’t imagine it, what a kindness and blessing from the El Cajon Police Department K-9 Unit for contributing to serving to Sampson get properly. The El Cajon Police Department K-9 Unit actually exhibits it’s dedicated not solely their animal’s welfare however to the general public’s animals as properly! This kindness is such a constructive reflection on the El Cajon Police Department. Sgt. Murphy even referred to as me the subsequent day to check out Samson! Both canines are dwelling. Vala is doing extraordinarily properly. Sampson is slowly bettering however has an extended technique to go.”

Jester is at dwelling together with his handler, Officer Randall Gray, and he’s anticipated to make a full recovery.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” stated Sgt. Murphy. “We don’t know but unfortunately we were there for a bad reason with Jester getting hurt but knowing that Jester was going to be alright, I wanted to make sure that family knew that both their dogs were going to make it and have that same feeling that we did.”

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