WHITELAND, Ind. — The Whiteland Police Department is providing an update on the health of one of its K-9 officers.
According to police, K-9 Riggs became abruptly sick last week. When Riggs acted like he wasn't feeling well, his handler, Sgt. Doss, spoke with a veterinarian for preliminary tests and started Riggs on antibiotics.
After getting abnormal results on Riggs' blood work, Doss took the K-9 to an animal hospital in Beech Grove for continued treatment.
Police said Riggs' exact diagnosis is still unknown, but the K-9 is responding to the treatment and is expected to be released Wednesday, Dec. 27 for continued in-home treatments while awaiting more bloodwork testing and results over the next few weeks. According to police, Riggs is stable and making improvements every day.
Veterinarians, however, did rule out the mysterious respiratory illness that is spreading in dogs in several states, including Indiana, because Riggs does not have the symptoms or blood work associated with the illness.
The Whiteland Police Department and Town of Whiteland are covering the costs for Riggs' care. An initial GoFundMe to help with medical expenses has been closed, and police said all donations received from it will go toward the medical bill for treatments.
Donations to assist with Riggs' medical costs can be made directly with the Whiteland Police Department or Town of Whiteland.
"Riggs is a valued member of our department, and we are thankful for all the support being given to K-9 Riggs, his handler family and to our department," Whiteland Police Chief Rick Shipp said in a news release. "We are a small community but feel big support from everyone."
