Polk County, Fla. – Retired K‑9 Ace, a beloved police dog who was wounded in a shootout with an armed suspect in early August, is now enjoying a full retirement at home after receiving a custom‑made prosthetic leg. The prosthetic, provided at no cost by West Coast Brace & Limb, was fitted three weeks ago at a specialized clinic in St. Petersburg.
From Tragedy to Triumph
During the August confrontation, the suspect fired at Ace, striking his left front leg and shoulder blade. Veterinarians were forced to amputate the injured limb, leaving the dog dependent on a walking harness. Deputy Natalie Oestreich, Ace’s handler, cared for him throughout his recovery and will continue to house him for the remainder of his life.
Prosthetic Made Possible by Local Expertise
Dr. Kerry Jackson of Polk County Animal Control coordinated the prosthetic solution, reaching out to West Coast Brace & Limb, one of the few facilities in the nation that fabricates custom prosthetic devices for animals. The company agreed to produce the limb free of charge, a gesture that reflects the community’s respect for service animals.
“He’s doing extremely well,” Dr. Jackson said after a recent check‑up. “He walks on his own with his leg now. Originally he didn’t; he had to have his harness on, and Natalie would hold onto the harness as he was walking, but now he’s doing great—running and jumping around with the leg.”
Life After Service
Deputy Oestreich plans to select a new K‑9 partner in the near future, allowing Ace to enjoy his golden years without the demands of active duty. The retired dog now spends his days running in the yard, playing with toys, and receiving the love and care of his handler.
The story of Ace’s recovery underscores the dedication of Polk County’s law‑enforcement and animal‑care professionals, as well as the generosity of local businesses that support our heroes—human and canine alike.
Community Support
Residents have praised the swift response and the collaborative effort that brought Ace back to health. The successful prosthetic fitting serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for service animals who risk their lives for public safety.
For more information on how to support Polk County’s animal‑control programs or to learn about prosthetic options for injured animals, contact the Polk County Animal Control office.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
