Search and rescue dog, Zuko, home and recovering after critical surgery

Zuko, a local search and rescue dog, is on the road to recovery after a successful surgery. The K-9 underwent a thoracotomy procedure on Feb. 7, after a grass seed made its way into his lungs, causing a serious infection. Zuko is expected to be able to return to working light duty in a month.  

“He is healing up beautifully; his surgeon did an amazing job,” said Ava Wion, Zuko’s handler. “They only had to remove a small portion of his lung and were able to get the entire seed out.” 

Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team officials said Zuko fell ill Tuesday, Jan. 28 and with being a high-energy working dog, Zuko showed no signs of illness until he could no longer hide it. After thorough testing and a CT scan by a veterinarian, a grass seed was discovered in his right lung and found to have caused a major infection. After discussing possible options, it was determined that a thoracotomy procedure was the best option. 

Wion and Zuko have been with the rescue team since February 2022 and taken part in numerous searches for missing people in Boundary County. The pair are certified in search and rescue tracking by the American Society of Canine Trainers International and maintain yearly recertification.      

The cost of the surgery is expected to total between $13,000 and $15,000.  

Zuko’s medical bills are being covered by an organization called Spike’s K-9 Fund. This organization has also donated the K-9's custom fit Kevlar search vest, trauma kit, and GPS collar. The organization has already paid $4,500 for the K-9's testing.  

Wion is looking to help Spike’s K9 Fund cover the cost of the surgery and repay them for all of the organization’s help and support. 

To donate toward the surgery’s cost and show support for the organization, go online to donate.spikesk9fund.org/k9zuko.    

Spike’s K9 Fund is dedicated to protecting the nation’s working dogs by providing custom-fit ballistic vests, protective equipment, medical cost assistance, and access to top-of-the-line training programs.   

Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team is a non-profit volunteer organization which operates under the authority of the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, members have assisted the sheriff’s office with searches for lost hikers, hunters, water rescues and recoveries. BSDRT’s purpose is to provide a well trained and equipped search and rescue force to support Boundary County in the event of a search or other emergency.