Apollo is a six year old, 105 pound European Shepherd who began his career Maryland State Police in September 2006 with his handler Trooper First Class Shayna O’Neal. The team began their tour of duty in Prince George’s County at the College Park Barracks from December 2006 – May 2007. During May 2007 – August 2007 they were assigned to Baltimore County at Golden Ring Barrack. Their final assignment was in Carroll County supporting the Westminster Barracks from August 2008 – June 2009. Throughout Apollo’s short three year career, his main job function was narcotics detection.

Apollo lived for his work. His favorite time of the day was riding in the patrol car, scanning vehicles for narcotics, intimidating people with his bark and playing ball with his handler. He wasn’t the most social canine in the division but he worked in the field on a rotating shift and when requested, located narcotics for his human shift partners.

On June 2, 2009 Apollo began to show signs of illness and was rushed to the Central Carroll Animal Emergency in Carroll County. After numerous test and x-rays, the staff advised there was an unknown type of blockage in his system. According to the veterinarian, emergency exploratory surgery was the only way to save Apollo.

Contact was made with State Police supervisors for approval of the life or death surgery. The surgery was soon denied and the financial cost was absorbed by Apollo’s family.

Post surgery revealed a rare condition called “Mesenteric Torsion.” It is the twisting of the intestines around the mesenteric axis. The twisting stops the blood flow to the intestines, causing the tissues to necrotize. The symptoms of this condition are rapid onset of shock, abdominal pain and vomiting. Apollo’s condition was grim during the surgery and for 72 hours after. An exceptional veterinarian and staff readily identified, treated the condition and watched over Apollo as if he were one of their own.

Soon after surgery, a representative from the ZimMiki Injured Police Dog Fund contacted Apollo’s family to help with the financial issues. Special thanks go to the staff at Central Carroll Emergency, ZimMiki Injured Police Dog Fund, and those who donate contributions to organizations like the one listed above.

Apollo is currently resting from the invasive surgery and as of June 2009, he is approximately 90% recovered. appears he will make a full recovery but is now retired from the Maryland State Police. He remains with his handler but will be sadly missed during every future tour of duty.