Shot Cape Cod Police Dog 'Stronger By The Day'

YARMOUTH, MA — "Nero," the Yarmouth police dog shot searching for a career criminal in Barnstable earlier this month, is becoming "stronger by the day," police said Tuesday. Nero and his handler, Officer Sean Gannon, were shot April 12 while serving a search warrant in Barnstable. Gannon was killed. Nero was shot in the face and neck and survived multiple surgeries. Police said Thomas Latanowich, who has 125 criminal charges on his record, shot the pair. Latanowich was charged with murder and mistreating a police dog.

Nero was treated at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists in Dennis and released last week — the same day as Gannon's funeral.

"(Nero) still is not fully recovered but his future is bright," Yarmouth police said in a statement.

Nero was also Gannon's family dog and is expected to be returned to his family. Police thanked retired K-9 handler, Peter McLelland, who they said has been by Nero's side since the shooting.

Thousands of mourners, including law enforcement officers from across the country, attended Gannon's memorial service at St. Pius X Church in Yarmouth. Gannon was 32 years old and left behind a wife.

More:

• Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon Laid To Rest
• Shot Yarmouth Police Dog Released From Hospital
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Yarmouth Police Honor Sean Gannon In Final Radio Call
• Cape Cod Police Officer Murder: Massachusetts 'Heartbroken'

These are more photos of Nero's recovery:

Lead photo: Yarmouth police dog Nero recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in Barnstable April 12, 2018. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)