New Berlin K-9 officer diagnosed with terminal cancer, will continue working

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Condor, a fixture of New Berlin's police force as a K-9 officer for almost a decade, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and will undergo chemotherapy.

Sgt. JJ Ament of New Berlin's K-9 unit disclosed the news to rest of New Berlin's police force Thursday, Sept. 29, noting that Condor underwent emergency surgery on Sept. 15 to remove a mass on his spleen. The surgery uncovered a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The decision has been made to allow K-9 Condor to continue performing his job until he is no longer able to do so, but Sgt. Ament noted the advisement he received that chemotherapy in dogs is not quite as debilitating as it is in humans with regards to quality of life. He was also informed that working dogs often pass away soon after they retire, so as long as Condor has the ability and the will to work, he will do so.

Sgt. Ament said that Condor's diagnosis is not merely a tale of woe, as this illness will allow him to take part in a study to help benefit the greater good.

He stated, "Condor has done so much good in his life, and being a part of this study will hopefully be his last gift to the world as what is learned during this study is expected to not only help detect and more effectively treat this type of cancer in dogs, but also a similar type of cancer found in humans."

Consistent with Condor's participation in the medical study, Sgt. Ament requested that this final phase of his partner's life " ... be filled with pride in the career and life he has lived, instead of sadness for how his story is coming to an end."

He concluded his note by saying, " ... be sure to give Condor a prideful pat on the head next time you see him."

More information about how to help raise money to provide assistance to organizations that help animals, including K-9 workers, can be found by visiting the Emma Loves Dogs Foundation online.

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