K-9 Charlie Makes FULL Recovery

K-9 Charlie makes FULL Recovery thanks to Support and Generosity of Community and Vet!

During May 2009, OCPD K-9 Charlie suffered from two slipped disks and one ruptured disk in his back that was causing him to lose feeling in his back and hind legs.

After several appointments with the vet and trips to Annapolis and The Pet Imaging Center Technology by Proscan in Vienna, Virginia, Charlie underwent surgery to correct his injury.

On May 26, 2009 K-9 Charlie had surgery at Chesapeake Veterinarian Surgical Specialist (CVRC) in Annapolis. Charlie's surgery was completed by Dr. Joseph Prostredny and his staff and all three disks were repaired. Charlie came out of surgery with a great prognosis and had no immediate issues or concerns with the surgery.

After several weeks of recovery and physical therapy, Charlie was able to return to work on July 16, 2009. While he was able to do basic police work, including basic aggression work and most detection work, he was not able to do anything that included jumping.

Although Charlie’s return to work began slowly, he was excited to be back to duty and it showed by the 21 drug arrests that he was responsible for since July 16, 2009.

On September 30, 2009, Charlie had the final visit with Dr Prostredny. Charlie cleared all Dr Prostredny’s tests and he had all restrictions lifted on him due to his remarkable recovery and progress. Charlie’s partner, PFC Earl Campbell, was a large part of the Charlie’s recovery. “After going through this surgical and recovery period and dealing with the VET staff at CVRC, I was totally amazed at their professionalism and dedication to correct Charlie’s injury”, commented PFC Campbell. “I have had the experience of working with vets in my previous employment and the vets at CVRC are top notch. Dr Prostredny and his staff are by far, the best group of vets I have ever been around.” In addition to the professional nature of Dr. Prostredny and his staff, it is also important to note the generous nature of their staff who donated much of their time and expertise to Charlie and the Town of Ocean City.

In addition, Charlie received support from the Fraternal Order of Police, the Mayor and City Council, and the overwhelming amount of emails and calls from members of our department, outside surrounding agencies, local business owners and family showing concern for K-9 Charlie. Friends and co-workers have greatly made this trying time much easier. Charlie is back to full duty and is serving the Ocean City Community in more ways then one.

His love and commitment to his job has been displayed through his courage and will to recover. He is officially on the road doing what he loves best, protecting the citizens of Ocean City.