Fund established for ailing Marin Co. Sheriff K-9

LARKSPUR, Calif. (BCN) - A K-9 with the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force helped police seize $250,000 cash and more than 500 pounds of marijuana worth $500,000 over the past year but now needs help coping with a disabling auto-immune disease.

The 11-year-old labrador and Blue Heeler mix named Beau recently had what appeared to be a stroke but was diagnosed as granulomatous meningoencephalitis that has no known cause.

The disease causes severe inflammation and pressure in the brain and if left untreated, Beau will die.

After several days of intensive care at the University of California at Davis Veterinary Hospital, Beau improved a little but will never make a full recovery and return to the task force where he spent the past three years.

Beau's partner, a Central Marin Police Authority corporal, has assumed full physical and financial responsibility for Beau, and Beau will spend his retirement with the corporal's family. 

A GoFundMe page has been established for Beau at www.gofundme.com/beaufund-me to help pay for Beau's medication and constant care for the rest of his life. The fund had gathered nearly $17,800 of a 
$20,000 goal as of this morning.

Any excess money not needed for Beau's care will go to a fund for other law enforcement canines that need serious medical care during their retirement.