In La Mesa, California, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter made a dramatic, emergency landing on Friday afternoon in the middle of a busy intersection to save the life of a K9 officer.
Residents and drivers in the area were surprised as officers cleared the roadway for the helicopter to land.
A U.S. Border Patrol K9, Boo, had been bitten by a rattlesnake while patrolling the Otay Mesa mountain range when he was struck by the snake. His handler radioed for help, and within minutes a marine helicopter had been dispatched and airlifted Boo to an emergency veterinarian hospital in La Mesa.
The dog’s handler could be seen by witnesses carrying Boo across the street to the Pet Emergency Specialty Center that has treated numerous rattlesnake bites; especially more prevalent in the warmer weather.
Boo received the anti-venom and intravenous fluids in time and remains under observation. He is expected to make a full recovery.
As to how the other officers feel about Boo, he is part of the family, and the bonds between the dogs and their handlers run deep.
To help dogs avoid rattlesnakes, training can focus on a reliable recall and teaching a snake alert, associating the sight, scent and sound of a snake with an “away” command. When hiking, always keep your dog leashed, especially in areas where rattlesnakes are known to frequent. Be diligent and make noise to alert snakes. They don’t want to see you as much as you don’t want to see them.
UPDATE: Boo is stable and expected to make a full recovery, according to an internal email this morning.
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Thank goodness for the quick response to this medical emergency. So glad this precious furbaby will recover!!!