Family to pay bills for injured Clayton police dog

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By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Clayton County police officer injured in a crash earlier this week is expected to make a full recovery, his wife said Wednesday. But his four-legged partner remains in critical condition, facing surgery and extensive medical care.

Clayton County Police Officer Travis Fox and his police dog, Lakota, were injured in a car accident on Monday.

Police officer, canine injured in Clayton crash

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Now that Lakota, a 5-year-old German Shephered, has been relieved of his police dog duties, the officer's family must pay the veterinary bills, Corey Fox said Wednesday outside of Atlanta Medical Center, where her husband, Travis, is recovering.

That's because the county commission voted to retire Lakota at its meeting Tuesday night, according to a resolution on the county's website. Since Lakota no longer works for the county, the county isn't responsible for the dog's treatment, Corey Fox said.

The commission's agenda was amended Tuesday prior to the 7 p.m. meeting, Jamie Carlington, the commission spokeswoman, told the AJC.

"The County formally recognizes and commends canine Lakota for his years of outstanding service to the community," the resolution states.

The resolution states the dog should be returned to the county's animal services if the owner is unable to provide care.

The Foxes volunteered to accept ownership of the dog that Corey Fox said has protected her husband countless times. And with that, comes the dog's medical bills, Corey Fox said.

"He's more concerned about his dog's recovery than his own," Corey Fox said of her husband.

Lakota, who is currently at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has a shattered leg that will have to be amputated and another leg that is severely broken, Corey Fox said. The dog may also have a broken hip and other broken bones, she said. Lakota is stable, but in very critical condition, Fox said.

Katherine Gilmore, spokeswoman for the veterinary hospital, told the AJC Lakota is sedated and bandaged while awaiting surgery.

The surgery and medical care could total more than $10,000, but the hospital has agreed to cut the cost to around $3,000, Corey Fox said. And when Lakota is released, a ramp will likely be needed at the Fox home, and possibly a special bed and wheelchair, she said.

When a police dog is retired, it is offered to the handler, Sgt. Tracy Jakes told the AJC. But not accepting ownership of Lakota was not an option, Corey Fox said.

Monday morning, Travis Fox and Lakota were headed to the scene of a suspected a home invasion when their patrol crashed into a fence and tree for unknown reasons, Clayton County police have said. Both the officer and Lakota were ejected.

Corey Fox, who owns a dog-training business in Henry County, has posted an update on Lakota on her company's website, along with a link for those wanting to make a donation to the dog's care.

In honor of Lakota, donations can be made to the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine’s GRACE Fund – a canine emergency fund. Donations can be made online www.vet.uga.edu/GO/grace or checks can be mailed to the UGA College of Vet Med Development Office, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602.