Wyoming K-9 Medically Retires Due to Arthritis

An 8-year-old German Shepherd K-9 with the Powell (WY) Police Department has been forced into retirement after suffering from severe arthritis.

According to the Powell-Tribune , the K-9—known as Zeke—has been battling pain in one of his legs for some time, culminating in the dog not being able to place weight on that leg.

Zeke's handler—identified as Powell Police Officer Reece McLain—reportedly told the Tribune, "It's not fair to him to ask him to continue to work."

Zeke will live his retirement years with the McLain family.

Council President Jim Hillberry said to Officer McLain at a council meeting, "He's yours."

McLain volunteered to take care of medical expenses for Zeke, but Hillberry said the city would do what it could to help.

"We live in a pretty good town," McLain said.