Nepal Rescue Team's Search Dog Sidelined by Hit and Run Driver

Just like their human counterparts, search and rescue dogs train years for events like the Nepal earthquake — ready to roll at a moment’s notice because lives are at stake.

But Xander, a valued team member with Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue team, was injured in a hit and run incident last month.

It was just days before the team was sent to Nepal to help in rescue efforts from the massive 7.8-magnitude quake that decimated much of the country. Nepal’s recent earthquakes, including another quake last week, are responsible for the country’s deadliest disaster ever, with a death toll of more than 8,500.

The dog, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, suffered a severe fracture to his right front leg in the April 13 wreck.

More than $2,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to help cover costs for his handler, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Technician Trisha Danula.

Xander is now recovering from surgery. Therapy has included swimming and walking on an underwater treadmill, according to a GoFundMe update from fundraiser creator Shawn Crisp.

The rescue team, known as VA-TF1/USA-1, returned Saturday to a homecoming welcome, and drew international attention for its efforts in saving victims trapped for days under the rubble from the quake.

More:

• Fairfax County Rescue Team Helps Pull Teen from Rubble
• Fairfax County Search and Rescue Team Returns from Nepal
• Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team Set to Arrive

Photos: GoFundMe