By Ann Marie Shambaugh
A Zionsville Police Dept. K9 is recovering from surgery after being hit by a pickup truck May 15.
Jelka, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, began working with ZPD Officer Josh Stutesman in August 2016. She was chasing a ball that deflected into the street near Stutesman’s Westfield home when she was struck by the truck. She suffered a compound fracture in her left hind leg and a hole in her abdomen that pushed her organs forward, making it hard to breathe.
Jelka was rushed to MedVet Indianapolis for a two-hour surgery. Stutesman has been at her side since that time.
“We are very hopeful she will come back to work, but we do not know yet,” Stutesman stated in a press release. “It’s still too early for the vet to tell us anything with 100 percent certainty, but the vet is certainly optimistic.”
Jelka was born in Sweden, where she received specialized training. She spent six weeks at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., training with Stutesman before joining ZPD.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jelka,” ZPD Chief Robert Knox stated in a press release. “Our main concern is her health and quality of life issues.”
