K9 Artus served Owensboro honorably until his retirement. Now, he’s battling a progressive ailment that will cause paralysis in both hind limbs. But for now, his new set of wheels allows Artus to continue to run and play, living as comfortably as possible with his family.
Artus, who is about to turn 11, served at the Owensboro Police Department for 8 years, doing everything from building searches to drug searches to simply protecting officers.
Artus was recently diagnosed with canine degenerative myelopathy (DM), a disease with no cure but that is believed to be painless. Artus has already lost the use of his right hind leg, and the disease will eventually cause loss of use in the left. DM is similar to some of the forms of human ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Gary Mattingly, Artus’ handler and owner, said they immediately began looking into getting a wheelchair that could suspend the dog’s hind end. They eventually decided on a Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair, which features a rear-wheel cart with stirrup loops for Artus’ legs so they won’t drag.
“We want to give him as much of a life as we can for as long as we can because he has done so much for the city of Owensboro,” Mattingly said.
There is no state-funded retirement for K9s once they leave an agency, so no vet bills or equipment such as a wheelchair is covered.
However, the local Fraternal Order of Police wanted to honor Artus for his service. In January, they unanimously decided to pay for the wheelchair.
“FOP 16 is proud to be able to assist in this matter,” Second Vice President Brad Youngman said at the time. “Retired K9 Artus served our community honorably and deserves to enjoy his retirement comfortably.”
Artus has gotten used to his wheelchair and doesn’t even realize it’s there, sometimes running over people’s feet with the wheels or catching them with the frame as he rubs against them for scratches on the head.
He still plays with Mattingly’s other dogs, running back and forth through the grass like he’s on four legs instead of two.
During his photoshoot with the wheelchair, Artus was still clearly happy and friendly, showing no signs of discomfort.
Mattingly is thankful for FOP’s gesture, and grateful Artus still has many days ahead of him.
“Art is the hero,” Mattingly said. “He sacrificed a lot for us. I’m proud to be able to give something back to him.
