Igi the bomb sniffing dog says hi from his new home and role as a family pet. Because so many people were concerned about the disabled dog who had to retire after he suffered four ruptured discs, I thought you might like an update about how he is doing.
Igi went to live with April and Eric Edwartoski and their three children in a small town in North Carolina. The family opened their home and their hearts to the German shepherd who gave five years of his life protecting passengers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
April read about Igi in my original story that asked readers to help find a home for the dog. Igi’s handler Ken was about to get a new canine partner from the Department of Homeland Security and he couldn’t give Igi the 24/7 care he needed. Ken made the very tough choice to find a new family for his partner.
When Ken and his wife Jan chose April, the couple drove Igi from Chicago to North Carolina to meet the Edwartoski family.
“They brought their three kids and Igi loved everyone and everyone loved Igi. It was heartbreaking for me. We made it all the way home before I broke down with the reality that my partner and best friend was gone,” said Ken.
As an experienced pet parent April understood Ken’s loss. She makes time to talk with him regularly and keep him posted about Igi’s progress.
April loves animals and runs a German shepherd rescue. She takes dogs with behavior problems from the municipal shelter and works with them until they are ready to be adopted.
Eric is a marine EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) expert who works closely with military bomb sniffing dogs. He understands that working dogs like Igi still need the ability to feel useful.
Igi is thriving with his new family and thanks to the generosity of others the Edwartoski family has many resources available to give Igi the life he deserves. A dog wheelchair was donated by Mission K9 Rescue and the group has committed to pay for Igi’s future medical care, as well.
The need for medical assistance has already come into play because poor Igi developed an abscess in one of his rear legs and Mission K9 paid for the surgery. April said Igi is feeling much better now that the problem, which is common in paralyzed dogs, has been fixed.
April also enlisted the expertise of a local physical therapist who will soon begin donating her time for Igi’s rehab.
In addition, HandicappedPets.com gave Igi the gift of a No-Knuckle Sock to keep his paws strong while he learns to walk again.
In the future April would love to take Igi on guest appearances in her military community. She wants to people to learn how they can help working dogs have a “life after service.”
No one knows if Igi will have a full recovery from his spinal issues, but it is certain that his life will be rewarding and full of love. Best wishes to Igi and the Edwartoski family.
No-Knuckle Sock
