K-9 Gael, a 2-year-old Labrador with the Miami Gardens Police Department, has been released from a Hollywood animal hospital and returned to his handler after disappearing during a police response earlier this month.
Gael was taken to VCA Animal Hospital after officers located him on Sunday, Sept. 13, following several days of searching. Veterinarians kept him under observation and evaluated him before determining that he was in good enough condition to leave the hospital.
The search began on the night of Sept. 7, when officers responded to a business alarm in the area of Northwest 195th Street. Police said Gael got out of a patrol vehicle near Northwest Second Avenue and ran east despite his handler’s attempts to call him back.
Officers and other law enforcement personnel searched the surrounding area, but Gael could not be found immediately. Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that appeared to show the dog being struck by a vehicle. Even after the collision, Gael continued running, according to police.
The incident raised concerns about Gael’s condition because authorities did not know where he had gone or how badly he may have been hurt.
The breakthrough came Sunday when a Miami Gardens-area resident reported seeing a dog believed to be Gael near North Miami Avenue and Northwest 191st Street. Officers responded and confirmed that the missing K-9 had been found. He was then taken to the veterinary hospital for treatment and further observation.
By Tuesday, Gael was released from the hospital and reunited with the Miami Gardens Police Department.
Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said Gael is an important part of the department and that officers were relieved to have him home. She said he appeared happy and energetic after his return and would be given some time to rest before eventually returning to duty.
Police also said Gael came through the ordeal in surprisingly good condition. According to the department, he was healthy after spending nearly a week away from his handler and had even gained weight during the time he was missing.
Authorities have not determined exactly what prompted Gael to leave his handler or where he spent most of the days he was missing. That part of the incident remains under investigation.
Gael’s disappearance also brought a strong response from the local community. Police had asked residents to remain alert during the search, and the eventual tip from a resident played a key role in bringing the K-9 back to his department.
For now, the focus is on allowing Gael to recover fully before he returns to his regular responsibilities. After nearly a week on his own and a stay at the animal hospital, the Miami Gardens police K-9 is finally back where his handlers wanted him all along: safely home.
