WHEATLAND – Platte County Sheriff’s K9 officer, Pancho, will be headed into surgery on Sept. 30 after nearly four months of waiting.
In May, a show of support from the community provided the $10,000 necessary through a go-fund-me set up by dog groomer Leah Maguire, and specifically K9-related donations to the sheriff’s department. The funds were raised within a few days, and after some veterinary appointments and treatment to make sure Pancho’s bloodwork showed him ready for surgery, Pancho is finally getting his chance at a more normal life.
It was determined by specialists at Colorado State University’s college of veterinary medicine, Pancho was suffering from a herniated disk, which was causing him to have mobility issues. One thing prompting the request for help to pay for the surgery was the need for a surgery as soon as possible, before there was permanent damage to Pancho’s spine, and the fact there isn’t the funding in the county budget to cover the expense.

According to the sheriff’s department Facebook post, after his surgery on Sept. 30, the department will update everyone after the surgery.
“We would like to thank everyone again for all your support and donations to make this surgery possible,” the post said.
Pancho’s handler and partner, Captain Will Kirlin, told the Record-Times in May that Pancho is not only his partner but also an integral part of his family and he appreciated everyone pulling together for the cause.
“It’s a small community and a small agency. It’s hard to come up with funds like that for one special dog...I’m grateful for the help of the sheriff’s office, the other agencies, and the community for their help. If this surgery is successful Pancho could have five or six more years to benefit Platte County,” he said.