Russiaville K-9 officer battling health problems

RUSSIAVILLE, Ind. (WLFI) – A town marshal in Howard County and his K-9 partner are experiencing tough times.

Kayos, a K-9 with the Russiaville Police Department, has a mass in his lower intestine.

His handler, Deputy Marshal Randy VanNatter, noticed the 8-year-old Belgian Malinois throwing up after they made a drug arrest two weeks ago.

Kayos was taken to a vet and then referred to a specialist. The specialist conducted an ultrasound and found the mass.

According to VanNatter, doctors said Kayos needs chemotherapy and possibly surgery to get the mass out.

“It’s heartbreaking for me,” VanNatter said. “I just take for granted everyday that I go outside and I let him out of his kennel. He’s just like one of my kids. It’s extremely tough.”

The department’s K-9 fund has almost been used up on medical bills.

A GoFundMe campaign has been setup to help. To find the campaign, click here.