SEQUIM — Chase, Sequim Police Department’s sole police dog, is scheduled for surgery early this month.
Doctors believe Chase might have a cancerous tumor near his lower intestine and need to conduct exploratory surgery to remove the mass if it is present, the police department announced.
Chase, who joined the Sequim Police Department in early 2008, was expected to retire this year.
The German shepherd’s illness was a sudden surprise, said a release from the police department, but the procedure is expected to greatly improve Chase’s health and future.
During his eight-year career, Chase participated in public demonstrations, assisted in fundraising and served as a driving force behind the Sequim Dog Park agility course.
The agility course within Carrie Blake Park, at 202 N. Blake Ave., was built by members of the police department in 2012.
Chase has tracked more than 90 suspects and done 65 building searches in his work with the police department and handler Sgt. Mike Hill.
He has captured or assisted in the arrest of more than 100 wanted persons and assisted neighboring agencies more than 100 times.
The Sequim Police Department K-9 Unit began in 2000 and has been funded almost exclusively on donations from the public and local businesses.
Donations have covered the costs of purchasing, training, feeding and health care for Chase and his predecessors, Huey and Titus.
All of the donations made out to the Sequim Police Department K-9 Program go directly to support the program.
Donations can be made by contacting the Sequim Police Department, located at 152 W. Cedar St., or by phone at 360-683-7227.
