Officer reunites with K-9 after serious crash

A Clayton County police officer and his K-9 reunited for the first time since a crash left both critically injured.

Officer Travis Fox, his face covered in cuts, traveled to the hospital in Athens on Tuesday to meet up with his partner. Fox suffered multiple broken ribs when he lost control of his police cruiser and hit a fence and tree last week.

His German shepherd, Lakota, has three broken legs and is being treated at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. The dog’s legs are in a cast.

”It’s just a relief they can still be together. He’s a very important person in our family and a very important person in my husband’s life, said Corey Fox, Travis Fox’s wife.

”It’s every law enforcement wife’s nightmare, she told Channel 2’s Diana Davis while fighting back tears. Fox was not allowed to speak on camera but appeared very emotional when he visited Lakota with his two boys, Davis reported.

Veterinarians said Lakota will recover from his injuries and walk again. The dog is already up and walking with the help of a sling, slowly regaining his strength.

Doctors said it is very unusual for a dog to have three broken leg.

”A lot of times we have a dog that is at least able to walk on one of the back legs. In this case both were affected so it’s a little more difficult for him to get around, said Dr. Scott Rose.

Lakota should be able to go home with the Foxes by the end of the week.

A Clayton County police spokesman told Davis the dog will be retired as a police dog and remain with the Fox family.