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Heroic Sacramento Police Dog Released From Hospital

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – A three-year-old Sacramento police dog has been released from the hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries in the line of duty just over a week ago.

Bodie, a three-year-old German Shepherd, limped out of the Rancho Cordova veterinary hospital with a cast on his front right paw and was greeted by a cheering crowd of officers, K-9's, friends and strangers.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

His doctor, Chris Wong, said Bodie had several surgeries to repair and remove bullet fragments from a shattered jaw and paw. Still, he expects a full recovery and return to duty.

"As a medical professional, it's 50-50," Wong said. "As his doctor personally, he's going to get back to work."

On the morning of May 18, Sacramento police called off a high speed chase of an auto theft suspect when he nearly hit a group of schoolchildren.

A foot pursuit soon started and when Bodie cornered the suspect in a backyard, he was shot twice before an officer shot and killed the suspect.

Among those who saw Bodie discharged from the hospital was a young boy who brought his piggy bank as a gift.

"I wanted Bodie to feel better and have a great time," he said.

The department said that Bodie was a hero, taking bullets that may otherwise have hit officers or people in the neighborhood.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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