SUAMICO, Wis. — Thursday night ,the Bark N' Blue Foundation hosted the Team Pyro Fundraiser at Bark & Brew in Suamico.
Officer Salzmann thanked the K-9 Unit, Green Bay Police, and many others for being there to support him and Pyro.
"Keeping me strong, keeping Pyro strong. When i can't be there, one of them is there and it just it makes Pyro feel good it makes me feel even better," said Officer Scott Salzmann, Pyro's handler.
Dr. Lisa Peters with the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center helped stabilize Pyro after the incident.
"He is a fighter. I mean, he is a really tough dog," said Dr. Peters.
K-9 handlers told us these dogs become members of their family, welcomed into their homes like any pet, but when it's time for their shifts, they're ready to go to work.
"They run to the car wait for you like come on, we gotta go, we gotta go, dad," said Officer Rodney Reetz, a K-9 handler.
He said they create bond that takes years to build.
Optimism and support filled the room.
"We've always got good support for our dogs to start with but when this hit, I couldn't believe how many people showed up at the station, emails," said Officer Reetz.
"Officer Salzmann has been sleeping with the dog. It's not just a working tool for them. They are members of the family. They are members of the community, and we need to take care of them," said Heather Heil with the Bark N' Blue Foundation.
We are told money raised at the event is going right to Pyro.
"Even if his medical bills are covered for the initial surgeries, he is going to have a lifetime of medical bills that follow him," said Tara Brunette, the owner of Bark and Brew.
By the looks of it, though, Pyro will also have a lifetime of support as the community rallies for Pyro.
"He's making great strides, but he's going to have months of recovery ahead of him," said Dr. Peters.
If you would like to donate to Pyro, click here.
