Police officer raises money for K9 partner diagnosed with lymphoma

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. -- Strangers have stepped up to help save the life of a K9 at the Sebastopol Police Department.

The 7-year-old named Frank started limping recently. His handler Sergeant Nick Belliveau took him to the vet, where the German shepherd was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer.

Belliveau considers Frank a member of his family and wants to save the dog's life, but treatment is expensive. The city will cover some of the $10,000 cost, but the police sergeant needs to come up with the rest. Without it, Frank will have just two months to live.

"He comes home with me every day and he's like a member of the family," Belliveau said. "And it was pretty sad when we found out. So he's not working with me right now. He gets kind of anxious when I go to work without him. It's pretty upsetting. It's pretty sad, but I'm going to do everything we can to keep him around for as long as we can."

Belliveau started a page on GoFundMe.com to help raise the $10,000. ABC7 News first reported the story at 4 p.m. Monday. By 6 p.m., people donated $6,000 toward Frank's treatment. That includes one $2,500 donation. The fundraiser has now surpassed the $10,000 goal.

If you'd like to make a donation and help Frank, click here.

Or if you would like to donate directly to the police department, they ask residents to either send or bring donations to:

Sebastopol Police Department

Attn: Sergeant Nick Belliveau

6850 Laguna Park Way

Sebastopol, CA 95472

Checks must be made payable to the City of Sebastopol. A note must also be made on the check that it's designated for K9 Frank Treatment.