Stabbed police dog recovering well

Police dog Edge is on the road to recovery after being stabbed earlier this month.

Edge was stabbed twice in the chest when he was sent to subdue a fugitive who was stabbing himself with a knife at Maraekakaho, 30km west of Hastings on June 6.

The knife pierced the dog's lungs and just missed his heart and major blood vessels.

After emergency surgery at Massey University's veterinary department in Palmerston North, Edge was returned to his handler, Constable Dave Whyte.

Mr Whyte told police magazine Ten One that Edge was "back to his old self. His energy levels have really picked up".

He said Edge was allowed the luxury of sleeping inside during his recovery but was back to his outdoors kennel.

However, he now slept on a bed donated by a well-wisher that he refuses to give up.

Edge had the stitches out and had just begun a light exercise programme.

He was expected to be back on patrol within a couple of months.

- NZPA