Hero K-9 Ace Comes Home After Losing Leg in Line-of-Duty Shooting

A courageous police dog who put himself in danger to protect the people beside him is finally back home, beginning a new chapter after an injury that changed his life forever. Ace, a 7-year-old German Shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, was critically wounded while helping deputies pursue a wanted suspect in Lakeland, Florida. The bullet caused devastating damage to his front left leg, forcing veterinarians to amputate it during emergency surgery. After days of treatment and uncertainty, Ace survived and was able to leave the hospital with his devoted handler by his side. His homecoming came just three days after the shooting left him critically injured. Despite severe blood loss, emergency surgery, and an amputation, Ace pulled through with his handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, staying close throughout his treatment. Credit: Facebook Ace Survives Life-Threatening Injuries Ace was wounded Thursday evening while helping deputies track suspect Angel Bowers through a wooded area. During the encounter, Bowers opened fire on deputies, and Ace was struck in his front left leg. The bullet shattered the K-9’s leg and damaged an artery, causing significant blood loss, according...