Community sends help to care for retired police dog

Linda, a retired Charleston County Sheriff's Office police dog who's undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer, received a stack of letters and get-well cards along with donations from Lowcountry residents who wanted to help pay for her health care.

In September, doctors at Veterinary Medical Care in Mount Pleasant removed two cancerous masses from the dog's throat as well as the parathyroid gland, which regulates calcium levels.

Linda is receiving follow-up care at the Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek.

Letters supporting Linda arrived in care of the Goose Creek clinic after people learned from The Post and Courier that Linda's current owner, Michelle Caminiti of Ladson, couldn't afford to pay for the cancer treatment alone. To date, the dog's bills are about $7,000.

So far, the community has sent $4,000 in donations, and Kaki Lanko, one of the clinic employees, said she's fielded many calls about the dog's health. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office also made a $500 donation.

"How can we not help those (both human and animals) who dedicate their lives to our safety and well-being," wrote Bob and Diana Scott of McClellanville.

One donor said they lost their dog to thyroid cancer in January.

"Good luck to Linda and a much longer, healthier life," the unsigned letter read.

Linda, 7, came to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2006 after patrolling New York's JFK International Airport. She worked as a drug-detection dog at the port before she retired and Caminiti took the dog under her wing in April 2008.

Caminiti said she wanted to save the dog so it had more time to be loved as a pet.

"She's a special dog," Caminiti said.

Goose Creek clinic employees typically raise money to subsidize the health care of some pets.

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921 or jjohnson@postandcourier.com.