GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) announced on Facebook Tuesday they are officially retiring K9 Dozer after he was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash back in August.
The crash occurred back in August when Dozer's handler, Officer Teddy VanVliet, was responding to a breaking-and-entering call with Dozer on board.
Dashcam footage of the crash shows the driver of the car that struck the GRPD vehicle immediately got out of the car and ran. Two passengers also exited the vehicle and walked away.
Editor's note: The dashcam video contains audio of an animal in distress. Some viewers may find this disturbing.
The crash left VanVliet pinned inside his vehicle, first responders had to pull him out of the car.
While VanVliet was okay, Dozer suffered a serious spinal injury. Dozer was left paralyzed from the crash, although GRPD said the expectation was that he would regain his ability to walk at some point.
In October, GRPD shared that Dozer was "back on four feet." And while they now say he has made a great deal of progress, he has not recovered the stamina and ability needed to continue working as a GRPD K9.
"He has plenty of energy and mobility and the love and care of the VanVliets as he becomes a full-time family dog," read GRPD's post on Tuesday.
GRPD thanked Dozer's medical team for helping Dozer achieve more progress than what they initially thought possible, Project K-9 Hero for covering his medical costs in retirement and everyone who sent well wishes and support to Dozer over the last few months.
"Everyone at GRPD, but especially Officer VanVliet and our K9 team, is very grateful. There is plenty of fresh snow and Dozer is eager to play!" GRPD's post read.
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