K9 Roxy passed after undergoing a pre-planned surgical procedure once back home.
FRANKLIN, Ind. — A search and rescue K9 from Indiana who spent some time in the Texas Hill Country helping to search for victims returned home to rest and unexpectedly crossed over the rainbow bridge.
K9 Roxy and her handler Chuck, with the Civilian Crisis Response Team (CCRT) out of Franklin, Indiana, returned home late last week for a pre-planned surgical procedure.
“After spending time in Texas helping clear debris fields and continuing the search for victims, K9 Roxy and her handler Chuck returned home for a rest period,” said a Facebook post from the Civilian Crisis Response Team. “Thursday morning Roxy unexpectedly crossed over the rainbow bridge.”
Her handler said she was was fully alert and healthy before the surgery, but the morning after, she started seizing and passed shortly afterward.
CCRT said that based on the details and symptoms she showed, it is believed she may have suffered a blood clot induced stroke after a routine spay surgery. The organization also wanted to clear up some concerns about the nature of her death.
“We were in contact with incident commanders still in Texas to help spread the word of the details surrounding her death,” said CCRT. “If Pathology shows anything different, we will alert all parties. At this time we do not believe this had anything to do with any toxicity in the water nor concerns about heat/over-exertion.”
CCRT said it’s confident that her death was unrelated to her rescue mission in Texas, but adds that “any handler who has seizures or lethargy in their K9 to let them know so they can help re-contact others in an effort to prevent any issues.”
“Our hearts are aching. Roxy wasn’t just a valuable asset from a search perspective, she was friend to everyone on our team,” said CCRT. “Always ready to play tug of war and help brighten spirits. Please keep Chuck and Roxie’s entire family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The organization wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for K9 Roxy and Chuck.
“While a trained K9 is an incredible tool in these situations, they are first and foremost very loved members of our team,” said CCRT.
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