A Ligonier Township, Pa. police dog has returned home following a wrong-way crash claimed the life of his handler.
K-9 Blek was injured and Lt. Eric Eslary was killed on May 5 when their department SUV was hit head-on by a suspected drunken driver, according to WTAE-TV
The injured police dog returned to the home of Eslary's wife, Mary Beth, on May 18 to continue his recovery.
"It was a big comfort, having him here, and at least knowing I had a part of Eric back with me. He was glad to be home as well," Mary Beth told the news station. "He's really coming along, adjusting to home life. He looks for Eric, I think, sometimes. But he's doing really good."
Blek will continue to receive treatment for his injuries at an animal hospital in Pittsburgh, but he will continue to be seen a veterinarian in Ligonier Valley for routine visits.
"It's an honor to now take care of Blek, for Eric. It's just really good to have him home. I need him. The kids need him. We need him as a family," Mary Beth said. "He protects us. It's a little more comforting knowing he's here."
Ligonier Township Police Chief Mike Matrunics said Blek will no longer work as a K-9, and an official retirement ceremony is in the works.
