ACCIDENT MAY END POLICE DOG'S CAREER

Veterinarians say a 4-year-old Fort Morgan police dog who was hit by a
train will survive but may never be able to help solve crimes.

Morgan County Sheriff's Deputy David Romero says someone opened a gate and
let his dog - a German Shepard named Roni - out of his back yard in Fort
Morgan. Romero realized Roni was gone at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and sent
fellow officers to search for him. Romero finally found Roni at 1:30 p.m.
The dog was sprawled unconscious across a set of railroad tracks about a
half mile from home.

"When I found him, I just kind of collapsed," Romero said. "I got on my
radio and let dispatch know I had found my partner."

Romero was too upset to drive, so two other officers wrapped Roni in a
blanket and rushed him to the veterinarian.

Romero, his wife and two young daughters stayed by Roni's side late into
the night Wednesday as veterinarians at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital worked
to save his life.

The good news is Roni made it, said Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro. But the dog has
damage to his brain stem, middle ear and facial nerves, which could
interfere with his ability to run and smell, she said. "I don't know if he
will recover to be a working police dog again," she said. "But with
aggressive physical therapy, he has the potential to be a good-quality pet."

The Morgan County Sheriff's Department uses two police dogs to help sniff
out drugs and to stop fleeing suspects. Roni was known for his sensitive
nose and his ability to outrun bad guys.

"Less than a month ago, he took down a car thief who was trying to outrun
the officers," said Morgan County Sheriff Jim Crone.

Roni may not be able to return to the sheriff's department in his old
capacity, but the Romeros are hoping they can still enjoy him as a family
pet. "He's real smart and real protective," Romero said. "What my wife, my
kids and I want the most is just to have him back in the house."