By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 9, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (InEDC) — A retired El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office K9, Bak, is facing a battle against aggressive lymphoma, a terminal cancer. The El Dorado County Canine Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched a fundraiser to support his medical expenses.
Bak served from 2016 to 2019 alongside Sergeant Hamon in the EDSO Patrol Division. Trained in obedience, tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection, Bak was deployed hundreds of times and was responsible for over 100 apprehensions. He was also a SKIDDS-certified SWAT K9 and participated in community events and school demonstrations.
After retiring in 2020, Bak has been living with the Hamon family. Recently diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma, he has begun chemotherapy and supportive care to ease his symptoms and prolong his quality of life.
The cost of Bak’s treatment is estimated between $14,000 and $16,000. All funds raised will go directly to his medical expenses and comfort care. Any excess funds will support other El Dorado County working K9s.
“Even in retirement, Bak continues to bring joy and love to everyone he meets. Now, he needs us,” the fundraiser states.
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page: Help K9 Bak: A Hero’s Fight Against Cancer.
The El Dorado County Canine Association supports active and retired working dogs in the county, ensuring they receive necessary care even after their service ends.
