A Harrisburg police dog named Zeke had a brush with death on Friday when he was shot in the line of duty. The 2 year old german shepherd had a bullet graze his jugular when a suspect opened fire on him and other officers during a pursuit. Fortunately Zeke pulled through and was released from hospital yesterday and is now resting at home.
The incident occurred as police were attempting to arrest 20-year-old Skyler Stewart Friday in Lower Paxton Township. He was wanted for a stabbing and shooting incident that happened overnight and had fled to a wooded area which is where the shooting took place. Officers returned fire, hitting the suspect who later died on the way to hospital.
Zeke was rushed to Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Medical Center in Cumberland County where he went through a 2 hour surgery on Saturday. “It was very delicate when he got inside. There was bruising everywhere,” said Sabrena Meyerhoff, owner of the center. Officers on the scene are credited with saving Zeke’s life with their quick actions and Meyerhoff said “And for him to be able to go home today, two days after surgery with 20 sutures on the outside and as many on the inside, it’s just amazing.”
Police Cpl. Ty Meik was very relieved to take Zeke home after a tense weekend of worrying about him, and vets are hopeful that he will back to work with light duties in one month. Zeke’s care was provided for free by the centre and Meyerhoff says they are working with Members 1st Federal Credit Union to set up a fund for cases like this. “So, if someone happens to have a pet that needs emergency care, this fund will be used to help offset those costs, if a person needs that kind of assistance,” said Robert L. Marquette, president and CEO of the credit union.
If you would like to make a donation please call call the credit union at (717) 795-6000 or the animal hospital at (717) 796-2334.
