Carrie Underwood is a performer, Almay cosmetics spokes model, wife and mom, but she found time to help out a K-9 officer and his partner. The singer donated an autographed guitar to help pay for Gino the German shepherd's medical bills.
Deputy Kevin Branscum has been partnered with drug sniffing dog Gino since 2012 in the McIntosh County, Okla., Sheriff's Department K-9 officer.
A simple visit to the vet turned into something much more serious.
"We went to the vet to treat an ear hematoma Gino had," Branscum told the Muskogee Phoenix. "We scheduled surgery to drain the blood out. They were prepping for surgery and the plan was to put him to sleep and clean his teeth. Before putting him to sleep they had to do some blood work."
Gino's blood work revealed he had heart worms. The treatment cost was initially estimated at $2,000 plus $100 for each vet visit, according to 94 Country. Between December 2014 and February 2015, Branscum spent $4,000 on his narcotics partner.
"We've been going to vets for months, and we'll be done with treatment in May," Branscum told the Muskogee Phoenix in February. "Treatment includes pills and injections. We started a pill which he has to take for 30 days, and he has 120 pills to take. March 9 he starts injections. There's three altogether. Once he's done, they will run test."
Gino is "privately owned," so the sheriff's office can't help defray costs.
"I'm grateful," Branscum said about Underwood's donation. "There's really no words for it. It's awesome. Being that she's from around here makes it even that much more special. I was definitely surprised."
The auction took place in March. The bidding on eBay opened at $500.
Underwood is a native of the Checotah, Okla.
