Could dogs be any better than they are? This is a genuine question. I helped dogsit yesterday and I can say with complete confidence that it's the happiest I've been in months.
They don't have a bad bone (little dog pun there for you) in their body. They just love you unconditionally and expect nothing back. Dogs are great.
This good boy is PBSO K-9 Officer Casper. He's a bomb, SWAT and patrol dog, and he just saved his K9 handler's life.
Advert
Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff
He's been credited with taking a bullet for his partner during a shoot out between officers and a wanted man, 46-year-old Philip O'Shea.
Apparently, O'Shea had a long criminal history and was wanted in Raleigh, North Carolina, in connection with a motel robbery. O'Shea died during the shoot out.
Palm Beach County Sheriff wrote on Facebook: "We are investigating an officer involved shooting in Jupiter involving the suspect in the robbery and shooting that occurred this morning.
Advert
"Suspect Phillip Oshea, again fired shots at the deputies while we were attempting to apprehend him. He was shot and killed. During the gunfire, PBSO K9 Casper was shot while protecting his handler.
"This was the weapon used by this dangerous suspect to fire upon our deputies twice in the same day.
"The suspect, Phillip Oshea, 46, had a warrant out for his arrest in North Carolina.
"PBSO K9 Kasper took a bullet that was meant for his K9 Partner. He is currently recovering and in stable condition."
Advert
Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told CBS News that Officer Casper took a bullet in the gunfire that was meant for his partner and subsequently saved his life.
He was taken in for surgery on Friday 12 May, but he's now heading home.
Michelle Tucker, a vet with Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists, said that Casper 'has done wonderful[ly]' and 'is walking fairly well, all things considered'.
Advert
Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff
Tucker explained: "Casper came into us last night after suffering a gunshot wound in the left hip. He was stable when he arrived. Once we determined that the bullet had not harmed any internal organs, we proceeded to remove the bullet surgically."
She continued: "He has recovered well from anaesthesia. He's on antibiotics,
"We're just happy that this is not a significant trauma and thankful that he's done well and appreciative for all that he's done for the county."
State law enforcement agents are now investigating the shooting.