Beau Fund Me: Marin Police K9 Diagnosed With Deadly Brain Disease

MARIN COUNTY, CA – A police dog who served the public for more than eight years now needs the community's help.

K9 Beau worked in narcotics and was assigned to the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force. The police dog was partnered with a corporal from the Central Marin Police Authority, which serves the communities of Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Anselmo and portions of Greenbrae.

Ten days ago, Beau suddenly became ill and suffered what appeared to be a stroke, according to the Central Marin Police Authority. After several days of intensive care treatment at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, he was diagnosed with granulomatous meningoencephalitis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.

The disease has caused severe inflammation and pressure in Beau's brain, and if left untreated, the dog will die, according to the Central Marin Police Authority.

"Beau has been making small improvements each day, but the reality is he will never make a full recovery," police officials said in an announcement.

K9 Beau was a rescue from an animal shelter. He got his start in law enforcement after a police canine trainer tested his scenting abilities. Beau's results "were off the chart," according to police.

In the past year alone, the 11-year-old labrador retriever and blue heeler worked on more than 70 drug cases, which resulted in the seizure of a quarter-million dollars in cash and over 500 pounds of marijuana valued at $500,000.

Beau, who can no longer work, is now retired. He is living with his former partner, who has assumed full physical and financial responsibility.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help offset the cost of Beau's current and future medical needs. As of Thursday afternoon, $7,823 has been raised. The campaign had a $7,500 goal.

Any excess funds not needed for Beau's care will be held in a fund for other police dogs who have serious medical needs in their retirement years, according to the Central Marin Police Authority.

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Photo via GoFundMe