Police & Community Welcome Home Lynwood K-9 Dante
Two weeks after major spinal surgery Lynwood Police K-9 Dante was released from Metvet Animal Clinic in Chicago. The past two weeks Dante went through excessive physical therapy & water therapies to get him back on his feet and ready to return home today.
Back in February K9 Dante and his Handler Officer Luke Tambrini were taking a break playing ball when Dante ran into a metal object and injured his spine and vertebrae. They were told by local emergency clinics if he did not receive immediate surgery he would become paralyzed. The surgery and rehab costs exceeded $25,000.00 and the department had no way to pay for this. A local organization, Protecting K9 Hero’s, ran by Staci Goveia organized a fund raiser to help Dante. The fund raiser was shared Worldwide and topped 20 grand within the first days. Donations came in from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in a huge outreach. Enough money was raised and the surgery was a success two weeks ago. The surgery consisted of vertebra implants to release the pressure off the spine and required at least a two week recovery and rehab time.
Today March 9th Dante was released and Goveia organized a surprise homecoming party at the Lynwood Fire Station. Officers and handlers came from Lake County Sheriff, Dyer Police, Schererville Police, Newton County Sheriff, Lynwood Police, Crown Point Police, Munster Police, St. John Police, Hobart Police, and Lynwood Fire Department. Dantes Handler Luke Tambrini was at a loss for words in gratitude for the support of Dante and the outreach from the community the past month. After a brief meeting with Officers and supporters, a full police & Fire escort was lined up to properly get him to his St. John home where the neighborhood gathered with signs and welcoming messages for Dante. All the Departments K9s lines up in front of Dante’s home and saluted him.
It is unclear still at this time whether Dante will be able to return back to police duties but he is back with his family and recovering.
