Police K-9 Handler Describes Near Death

An 8-year-old German Shepard named "Earp" is defying the odds. A Veterinarian gave the police K-9 a 10 percent shot at survival when he showed up Friday on an operating room table. The dog nearly bled to death from a stab wound that severed a carotid artery.

"It was pretty traumatic, of course I was worried about him. I spend as much, if not more, time with him than I do with my family" said Sgt. Jess Havin of the San Diego Police Dept., who has worked with Earp for the past four years.

Sgt. Havin and Earp were sent to the scene of a domestic dispute Friday in Paradise Hills where a man with a knife was barricaded inside a home. Officers said 51-year-old Willard Anthony Bradley stabbed and killed his wife and wasn't giving up. Bradley was later shot and killed by officers, but not before Earp led the charge inside, taking a stab wound along the way. Officers believe Earp greatly enhanced their safety with his presence.

Police K-9 officers say the dogs are used as an alternative to lethal force and a psychological deterrent when suspects aren't cooperating.

During his 4.5 years on the force, Earp has found drugs, a missing police gun, and forced countless suspects to surrender with his bark and presence alone. But the altercation that nearly killed him Friday was the first time he'd ever actually attacked a human according to Sgt. Havin.

"I remember being angry and then when I realized the extent of his injury, I knew I had to get out immediately in order for him to survive" said Havin. Havin says he got the dog to the animal hospital in six minutes and was told that within ten minutes Earp would have bled to death.

Sunday, just two and a half days later, Earp went back to work with Havin. Earp isn't ready for field duty, but he is eating more and showing increased signs of energy.