BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The handler of a Blount County Sheriff's Office bloodhound said the K-9 officer's prognosis is "bright" following amputation surgery this week.
Nine-year-old K-9 Daisy, who's worked to find missing and wanted people in Blount County since 2018, was recently diagnosed with bone cancer and underwent the operation on Tuesday.
BCSO said in a Facebook post that Daisy's handler, Sgt. Allen Russell, said her diagnosis is "bright," and he's hopeful she can recover and rebound quickly, "so she can start enjoying life again."
A veterinarian found a malignant tumor on Daisy's front left leg during the surgery, which is why it was amputated. They don't believe her cancer has spread.
"K-9 Daisy is at home resting and receiving lots of care and love from Sgt. Russell," BCSO said in a Facebook post.
WBIR-TV followed Daisy and Sgt. Russell when the pair searched for a missing man in 2019. They were able to locate him alive, and then him to receive medical attention.
Sgt. Russell told WBIR-TV that the sole job of K-9 bloodhounds is to locate missing people and crime suspects who are on the run.
"We use their natural talents," Russell said. "They know if they find the person, they get a lot of love and rewards at the end, treats. They love to work."
The BCSO thanks Townsend Animal Clinic and Veterinarian Dr. Morgan Detweiler for taking care of Daisy. They're asking for the community to keep Daisy and Sgt. Allen in their prayers.