K9 Ace survived multiple gunshots, hemorrhagic shock and the loss of his left front leg before returning to his longtime handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich. The Polk County Board of Commissioners later recognized the police dog with a Commendation for Valor.
The commendation honored Ace’s actions while assisting Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies during an Aug. 6 incident. Officials said his work helped save other lives, turning the recognition into the latest milestone in a recovery that began with emergency care in the field.
Oestreich treated Ace immediately after he was wounded and took him to Park Way Veterinary Emergency Clinic. Veterinarians stabilized him and controlled his bleeding, but the extent of his injuries required care at the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch.
Tampa General Hospital’s AeroMed flight team transported Ace to the veterinary medical center in approximately 26 minutes. He arrived in critical condition and was diagnosed with hemorrhagic shock, a dangerous consequence of acute blood loss that reduces the body’s ability to deliver enough oxygen to its tissues.
A veterinary review of hemorrhagic shock treatment explains that controlling bleeding and restoring circulation are central priorities. The review also supports early consideration of red blood cells, plasma and platelets when they are available, although treatment decisions depend on the individual patient and available resources.
Three donor dogs supported Ace’s treatment
Ace received packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma supplied by three civilian canine donors: Molly, Rooster and Winnie. These are separate blood components with different roles in veterinary care.
The Merck Veterinary Manual’s blood-banking guidance explains that donated whole blood can be divided into components, including packed red blood cells and plasma. Component therapy allows veterinarians to replace the parts of blood a patient needs while making more efficient use of donated blood.
Civilian canine blood-donor programs generally screen dogs before accepting them. The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital’s donor program, for example, uses a physical examination, blood tests and infectious-disease screening to determine whether a dog can donate safely. Those general standards do not establish how Ace’s three donors were evaluated, but they illustrate the safeguards used by veterinary blood banks.
On Aug. 7, Dr. Brianna Miniter amputated Ace’s left front leg because of the extent of the traumatic injuries. According to the veterinary medical center, Ace was walking on three legs with help from a sling within hours of surgery.
That early movement was only one step in his recovery. Ace remained in intensive care for monitoring before he was discharged on Aug. 9 and returned home with Oestreich.
A working partnership continues in retirement
The sheriff’s office said Ace was recovering well, remained active and was enjoying retirement. He will live with Oestreich as he transitions away from police work after years spent serving beside her.
“They are heroes to us. Ace is a hero,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said while discussing the risks faced by working police dogs. The agency noted that its canines may search woods, swamps, structures and businesses while deputies pursue serious criminal suspects.
Ace’s commendation does not erase the severity of his injuries. It marks the outcome of a coordinated response that moved from Oestreich’s immediate care to emergency stabilization, a 26-minute medical flight, blood-component support, surgery and intensive monitoring.
For dog owners, his case also highlights the role civilian canine donors can play when a critically injured dog needs blood products quickly. Ace’s recovery now continues at home with the handler who worked beside him before his retirement. What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
