GoFundMe Effort Launched To Help Retired Norwich Police Dog

NORWICH, CT — A GoFundMe page has been launched to help pay for the care of retired Norwich police dog Keeto, who recently lost the ability to walk.

Started by his partner, Sgt. Nick Rankin, Keeto's page has raised nearly $7,000, as of Aug. 6, toward a goal of $10,000.

To sign up for Norwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.

"Keeto became more than a partner or pet. He was and is my equal, my role model and literal best friend," wrote Rankin on the GoFundMe page. "He’s seen me through the major events of my life. Meeting/ marrying my wife, buying our first home, getting promoted and having a child. Words can’t express my admiration for him; I could go on for days. To make it short, my son’s middle name is Keeto."

Keeto served the city from 2012 to January of this year, and ownership was transferred to Rankin. But this summer, Keeto began experiencing problems walking, and after tests, it did not look like he would walk again, according to Rankin.

"Things changed this week. We were getting ready to go to the specialist so we could fit Keeto for his wheels, when I thought I saw his back leg move on it’s own. While helping him with his business in the yard, his tail appeared to sway. My wife and I concluded it was probably consequence of the way he gets around on only his front paws. When I got to the specialist, she saw it too. She told me his MRI showed a slipped disc and massive hemorrhage pressing on his spine. The odds had been low he would ever regain any motor function prior to this. Now she said Keeto can and will likely walk again with enough medication, physical therapy and follow through. These things will cost. He will be able to go for a walk, to the bathroom on his own and play in the yard with my son and I. There are no other medical issues preventing him from living out the rest of his life. This is why I decided to swallow my pride and ask for help."

To view Keeto's GoFundMe page, click here.

Photo of Keeto via GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch