Behind the Badge
Although Orange County Sheriff’s Department K-9, Oscar, couldn’t compete to prove whether he is the toughest dog in Orange County, nobody questioned whether he was worthy of the title.
Oscar, with his right leg in a cast, still participated on Saturday in the Orange County Police Canine Association’s annual exhibition and competition.
The K-9 bounded alongside the other OCSD K-9s and Westminster PD’s K-9, Pako, in an exhibition that displayed the dogs’ agility and obedience skills.
Oscar’s gait was obviously effected, but he kept up with his counterparts.
When it was over, Oscar pranced off the field, tongue flopping to the side and tail happily wagging as if showing the audience how proud he was to participate.
His handler, Deputy Brian Stockbridge, said Oscar suffered a serious bone bruise when he jumped out of a window during a call.
Doctors placed a special cast on Oscar’s leg that allows him to get around easily, while keeping the leg immobilized to let it heal, Stockbridge said.
The K-9 was supposed to take it easy, but those doctor’s orders have been hard for Oscar to follow, Stockbridge said.
“He’s supposed to be out of commission, but he still helps out with narcotics because he loves it,” he said. “He just loves to work.”
Check back with Behind the Badge OC next week for full coverage of the OCPCA event, which included clever K-9 skits from participating agencies, the Toughest Dog competition, helicopter displays and a firework show.
