By Lorraine Jewett | Special to The Union
Paws on Patrol. Canine cop Rüdiger is back on the beat after a severe injury, complicated surgery, and lengthy recovery. Rüdiger has been out on five months of “sick leave” from the Grass Valley Police Department. “One morning last fall, Rüdiger was awkwardly climbing the stairs, started falling backwards, and luckily I caught him,” recalls GVPD Canine Handler Jesse Cloyd, who has worked and lived with Rüdiger for three years. “Veterinary examinations revealed he had a sciatic nerve injury, likely incurred before he joined our force. The pinched nerve, inflammation, and bulging disc ultimately made it difficult for him to walk.” Rüdiger endured a multi-hour surgery and 20-plus staples to close the foot-long incision in his back. Jesse — who still had to perform his own job while Rüdiger recuperated at home — thanks his wife for helping keep Rüdiger calm, quiet, fed and medicated properly during the K9’s recovery…