A life-threatening genetic disorder is ending the career of the New Philadelphia Police Department K9 Pablo.
Officer Tristen Lambert says the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois has been an outstanding partner, protector and member of the police family. However, he was recently diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis, which restricts his breathing and will eventually cause him to lose full use of his back legs.
“Whenever he tries to breathe after he is exhausted or after he works at a long period of time, he cannot get enough air into his body. That would ultimately possibly cause him to suffer heat-related injuries, so he has to have surgery. That way he can kind of breath a little more normally and eat more normally,” Lambert said.
Lambert calls Pablo steady, fearless and devoted.
“There have been many traffic stops that we have gotten the illegal drugs off of the streets,” Lambert said. “We have had multiple surrenders from violent criminals that have intended to cause harm on officers. And just his presence alone has stopped many people from either harming themselves, or harming an officer, or even just eluding.
“We have had multiple tracks that we have found fugitives hiding in the woods. So he has helped the city tremendously.”
Pablo needs lifesaving surgery to be able to breathe comfortably and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
“He’s basically a part of my family,” Lambert said. “I spend every single day with him. I spend more time with him than any other human on the planet right now. He comes to work with me. He goes home with me. He can come into our office here.
“He’s a very social dog. People can pet him and then he can turn around and go on the street and do his job. He’s more of a member of our team and our little family we have here at the police department rather than just a dog.”
The department is asking for donations to help Pablo and to purchase and train a new K9 officer. Cash or checks made out to the New Philadelphia Police Department with the memo “K9 Fund” can be delivered to the police station on Second Street Southeast.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2026