A courageous police dog who put himself in danger to protect the people beside him is finally back home, beginning a new chapter after an injury that changed his life forever. Ace, a 7-year-old German Shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, was critically wounded while helping deputies pursue a wanted suspect in Lakeland, Florida. The bullet caused devastating damage to his front left leg, forcing veterinarians to amputate it during emergency surgery. After days of treatment and uncertainty, Ace survived and was able to leave the hospital with his devoted handler by his side.
His homecoming came just three days after the shooting left him critically injured. Despite severe blood loss, emergency surgery, and an amputation, Ace pulled through with his handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, staying close throughout his treatment.
Ace Survives Life-Threatening Injuries
Ace was wounded Thursday evening while helping deputies track suspect Angel Bowers through a wooded area. During the encounter, Bowers opened fire on deputies, and Ace was struck in his front left leg.
The bullet shattered the K-9’s leg and damaged an artery, causing significant blood loss, according to the sheriff’s office. Ace was rushed to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch, where veterinarians worked to stabilize him.
Although the medical team was able to save Ace’s life, the damage to his leg was too extensive. Veterinarians amputated the injured limb during emergency surgery on Friday.
The procedure was successful, and Ace remained stable as he began the difficult first days of recovery. Oestreich stayed beside her longtime partner throughout his hospital treatment, offering a familiar and comforting presence after the frightening ordeal.
By Sunday, Ace was strong enough to leave the veterinary hospital. The sheriff’s office shared a video on social media capturing the emotional moment he headed home with Oestreich.
“Our K9 hero Ace was shot [and] critically injured protecting deputies and our community on Thursday night… it’s Sunday now, and he’s coming home,” the agency wrote.
The homecoming marked an encouraging milestone for a dog whose life had been in danger only days earlier. Ace now faces rehabilitation and the challenge of adjusting to life on three legs, but he will make that transition surrounded by people who know and love him.
A Hero Heads Into Retirement
Ace had served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for approximately six years before the shooting. Throughout that time, he worked alongside deputies in demanding situations where his training, courage, and bond with his handler were essential.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace’s actions during Thursday’s shooting helped protect three deputies from danger. The K-9 continued doing the job he had been trained to do, even as the situation became life-threatening.
“Ace is a hero without any doubt at all,” Judd said Friday, according to WFLA.
Instead of returning to active duty, Ace will now focus on healing. After rehabilitation, he will retire and live with Oestreich and her family, trading police work for a quieter life with the handler who remained beside him during his most difficult days.
His recovery is also receiving support from the community. The Wiltse Family Trust has offered to pay Ace’s medical expenses and fund a replacement K-9 for the sheriff’s office, according to the agency.
Ace may be leaving his law enforcement career with one fewer leg, but his final mission demonstrated the courage that defined his years of service. After protecting his fellow officers and surviving devastating injuries, the beloved German Shepherd can now begin a new chapter at home.
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