[CFrance]

Rocco, 8 years old, was stabbed in the back Monday night by a person police were attempting to arrest. He was taken to the vet hospital, where he had emergency surgery. He bled out. Calls went out to anyone in the Pittsburgh area to bring in their dog to donate blood for Rocco. I would have been the first in line.

Rocco was not doing well after the first surgery, and they feared he would not survive. He is now, after a second surgery, stabilized and is doing better. Fingers crossed for Rocco.

Here's the latest report. If you want the first report, let me know and I will post that as well. Or you might be able to find it on the PP-G site.

Pittsburgh police dog Rocco shows improvement after stabbing - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[Janet & Carl]

Prayers for Rocco's speedy recovery. Janet & Bleu

[Bonanza]

Very tragic and very, very sad.

[FoPAA]

RIP Rocco, you are a hero.

[graciegirl]

Oh No.

[CFrance]

Pittsburgh police dog Rocco remembered as a hero - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It's so sad.

[DEWRDW]

So Sad - I thought he might make it - a hero & beautiful dog!

[CFrance]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

An outpouring of grief and support has spurred the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to open the funeral for their slain police dog, Rocco, to the public.

Rocco's handler, Officer Phil Lerza, originally asked that the funeral be closed to the public but changed his mind after numerous calls and emails and an outpouring of support from the public. "The tremendous show of support has deeply touched the Lerza family and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police," said police in a press release.


The 8-year-old German shepherd's body will be cremated, said police spokeswoman Diane Richards. Cameras will not be permitted at the service.