KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Kings County Deputy Mourns K9 Brando

Kings County Deputy Mourns K9 Brando

By Norma Yuriar

Hanford, Calif.  (KMPH News) - A Kings County Sheriff's deputy holds back tears after the only patrol and narcotics dog on the K9 team collapses.

"He wasn't just a dog, he was my partner," said Deputy Rod Shulman.

The four year veteran of the Kings County Sheriff's Office was airlifted from Hanford to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital after getting sick on the job.

Brando, a favorite at several valley elementary schools, came to work at the Kings County Sheriff's Office in 2005.  He spent the next four years by his partner's side.

"Brando would unquestionably, without hesitation, give his life for me.  He's done it before and that's what a lot of people don't understand," Deputy Shulman said.

On October 13, it was Deputy Shulman's turn to return the favor when the five year old Belgian Malinois began acting strange during a narcotics search in Hanford.

"We did the search and we noticed his demeanor definitely wasn't right," he said.

Brando's kidneys were failing.

"We went outside to take a break and when he urinated, I noticed it was pure blood," Shulman said.

Brando was rushed to Hanford Veterinary Hospital and then airlifted to UC Davis by Kris Zuniga and DA Investigator Jeff Stamper.

"It was a tough flight.  We are going to take Brando up there to get the best treatment, we actually had an IV that attached to Brando that was hanging on ceiling of the airplane," Zuniga, President of the Kings County Deputy Sheriff's Association said.

Medical expenses began adding up, at which point Deputy Shulman said he was presented with two options by the Kings County Sheriff's Department; pay for Brando's medical expenses out of pocket or euthanize the dog if expenses surpass, the $7,000 mark because of budget constraints.

"I told them I would do anything I could to try and give him a fighting chance," Deputy Shulman said.

A sheriff's spokesman tells KMPH News there was not money in the budget to try and save Brando when his chances of survival where so slim.

As a result, Deputy Shulman borrowed $10,000 from a family friend, allowing Brando every chance to heal his kidneys, he said.

"He actually surprised the doctors by walking," Shulman said.  "The doctors were shocked he was showing big of signs of progression."

Unfortunately, his battle was short lived and six days after he was admitted to the hospital.  It was time for Brando to say goodbye.

His handler describes their final moment together.

"His head was down and then looked up at my face and just stared at me while he pressed his palm on my hand.  At that point I just had a feeling that he was him telling me he could not do it anymore," Shulman said.

Brando passed away October 19th.

A memorial for K9 Brando is scheduled for later this week in Kings County.  It's happening at 1pm at the Hanford Fairgrounds.

The Kings County Deputy Sheriff's Association has established a fund to help Deputy Shulman offset mounting medical bills.  They are trying to raise $5,500.

Here's how you can help.  Donations can be mailed to;

The Kings County Deputy Sheriff's Association

P.O. Box 206

Hanford, Ca 93232.

Below is a list of people Deputy Shulman would like to thank:

Ryan Heafey and Family - Friend - Gave me the initial $ 10,000 deposit to start treatment on Brando.

Dr. Lee Fausett and Registered Vet Technician Marcie Carriker of Hanford Vet Hospital.

Fresno County Deputy Mike Wynn and FCSO K-9 unit- emergency plasma to HVH.

Kings County District Attorney's Office investigator Jeff Stamper and Sr. Deputy Zuniga - Pilots of the plane that flew Brando to UC Davis.

Penny Farnham and her admin. staff at UC Davis Small Animal Clinic.

UC Davis Police Dept.- Officer Bowers and Terry. Dispatchers CJ and James-  they arrived Code 3 to take Brando from airport to Hospital.

UC Davis Medical staff- Dr. Dear,Dr. Chiang, Dr. Hopper "Aussie", Dr. Claus, Dr. Guillaume, Dr. Aldrich, and Dr. Wu.- ICU doctors

UC Davis ICU Nurses- Kathy Baldwin,Paula Howell, Truc Cao, Karen Volkerts,Charissa Jordan, Michael Hamilton,Courtney Gardner,Kim Zwerenz, Ann Kitchen, and Trish Sanchez.

UC Davis Dialysis- Dr. Cowgill, Dialysis tech. Sean Naylor and John.

And all my fellow K-9 handlers, friends and family.