A dog has been given a new lease of life after exemplary care cured him of cancer.
Asko, who is part of Bensalem Police Department's K9 unit, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his jawbone. There was heartbreak at what could have been a devastating diagnosis over the summer for a valued member of the Pennsylvania town's police department.
Acting swiftly, Dr. David Puerto of BluePearl Pet Hospital in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, successfully removed the tumor, setting the stage for Asko's journey to recovery.
As October unfolded, Asko found himself in need of further intervention, leading to a crucial phase of his treatment—radiation therapy. The responsibility fell upon the capable shoulders of Dr. Siobhan Haney and the entire staff at BluePearl Veterinary CyberKnife Cancer Center in nearby Malvern.
Through a challenging period, Asko not only been given top-notch medical care but also gained a whole host of new friends that have showered him with love and support. In a Facebook post, the Bensalem Police Department was thrilled to announced that Asko was now cancer-free.
In the post, the police department said: "Along the way, K9 Asko made many new friends and received much love. The care provided was unmatched. If not for this exceptional care, Asko's life could have been cut short by cancer. K9 Asko has made a full recovery and has returned to work, full duty."
Dogs are susceptible to cancer. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that around 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and almost 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 will.
Studies have shown that some breeds have a higher risk of developing cancer than others, and while there are symptoms to look for in dogs that may point to cancer, a regular checkup with a veterinarian is the best way to prevent serious illness.
In the comments, people shared their reactions to the good news. Kelli Anne wrote, "Good job buddy," while Pam posted: "What a wonderful story."
"This is amazing," said Danielle Lyn. "Make sure Asko gets extra treats."
It is no surprise that Asko's recovery has been celebrated so widely by the police force—the bond between K9s and their handlers is a crucial aspect of their partnership.
Research has shown that the relationship between K9 officers and their dogs is often an equal partnership, with the animals spending a significant amount of time living, working and playing together. This bond is essential for their success in work, too, as the dog and human handler rely on each other in high-stakes situations.
Police dogs have been used in law enforcement since the Middle Ages, with the most commonly used breeds being German shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Most police K9s serve in the force for an average of seven years before later retired into loving homes. This practice was formalized with the signing of Robby's Law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. This says that retired police and military dogs can be adopted by their handlers or other service members, keeping that bond strong.
Newsweek reached out to Bensalem Police Department via email for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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