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K-9 Bodie Undergoing Rehab 8 Months After Being Shot

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Bodie, the Sacramento Police K-9 who was shot pursing a suspect last year, is on the road to recovery but still hasn't returned to duty.

"I want my partner back. I want to be out there catching bad guys with Bodie," Officer Randy Van Dusen said.

After more than eight months without his partner, Randy looks forward to the day when Bodie won't hobble.

"The toes have been the major holdup," he said. "Both his middle toes are broken."

Using an underwater treadmill to help with his joints, Bodie still seems like the happy-go-lucky dog he was before he was shot in the face.

"That's one of the hardest things ever in our job," Van Dusen said. "You know somebody you care about hurt like that, human or K9.

Bodie and Randy are so connected, Bodie whines when they aren't right next to each other.

"We're with these dogs more than we're with our own family," he said. "We're with them in stressful situations so it's a very tight bond."

Just a month ago, Bodie's foot was still in a cast. It's obvious he still feels pain, but veternarians say his recovery is coming along.

"These police dogs are tough. They're strong and get back to normal activity very quickly," Dr. Robert Runyan with VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center

One thing that has always remained strong is Bodie's bond with his partner.

"His personality hasn't changed at all and he's got that drive and wants to come back to work," Van Dusen said.

Bodie is scheduled to continue rehabbing for another month or two, after which Van Dusen is hopeful he'll be able to get back to work.

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