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Friday, February 07, 2003

By Alyson Rodriguez, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Wilkinsburg Police Patrolman Tom Proctor is patrolling the streets alone these days.

	Faro waits during a program by his handler, Patrolman Tom Proctor, for kindergarten students at Turner School in Wilkinsburg. (John Beale, Post-Gazette)

His partner/police dog, Faro, has been taken off active duty because of a back problem that requires surgery costing $4,000, something the financially strapped borough cannot afford.

The borough acquired Faro, a 3-year-old German shepherd, last year from the Czech Republic. He has been on duty with Proctor since August as a patrolling, crowd controlling and drug sniffing dog.

Faro's back problem can almost be called a genetic defect -- one of the disks in his back didn't fully develop. Right now the slipped disk is moving around, causing so much pain for Faro that sometimes he cannot use his left rear leg.

"Every once in a while, Faro will begin limping and lift his leg and start yelping," Proctor said. "After a few minutes, he's able to walk on it again."

Faro's condition was diagnosed a few weeks ago after Dr. Harvey Bendix of Norwin Veterinary Hospital reviewed Faro's X-rays. Bendix said Faro's problem takes a few years to develop and show symptoms. More tests are ordered to get a better look at Faro's condition.

Right now Faro is "on desk duty" at home. Proctor said Faro really wants to work, but doctor's orders are no running and no jumping. Proctor still plans to take him to narcotics training once a week, which requires no straining movement.

The police department is trying to raise $5,000 altogether to cover the cost of the surgery and medications. Once the money is raised, Bendix will schedule Faro's surgery at Ohio State University's veterinary hospital. Two months of recovery are required.

If Faro cannot get the surgery, Proctor will keep him as a retired police dog. But without surgery, the arthritis will be so bad that he will lose the use of his leg.

Proctor is saddened by the temporary loss of his partner. "He's part of the family -- an animal that I can depend on to keep me safe," Proctor said. "For the last year, he's taken care of me. Now it's my turn."

You can send donations for Faro's surgery to:

Wilkinsburg Police Deparment
605 Ross Ave.
Wilkinsburg 15221
Attn: Faro

Make checks out to "K-9 Faro Medical Fund."