Shirley PD is hoping to raise $4,000 for training of a new K-9 officer.

SHIRLEY, Ind. (WTHR) - UPDATE: Thanks to donations by WTHR viewers, Shirley PD says they've raised nearly $1400 of the $4,000 they need for their new K-9 training.

If you would like to donate, click here.

You can also click here to buy a t-shirt to help Charon.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

“He’s with me every day. I go to work with him and go home with him," said Shirley Police Chief Brian Pryor of his 8 year old German Shephard, Charon.

Charon is more than a pet to Chief Pryor. For the past seven years, Charon has been the first and only K9 officer for the Shirley Police Department.

“He’s been a great officer. He’s done his fair share of getting stuff off the streets. I can’t complain," said Pryor.

The dog is considered somewhat of a rock-star in this small community of just over 800.

People know him by name.

They’ve even raised money every year for Charon's care because it wasn’t in the town's budget.

A year-and-a-half ago, when the K9 officer needed life-saving surgery for a flipped stomach, money poured in to help.

“I was choked up with just about every envelope that I opened," said Pryor.

This past February, Charon had another unexpected health crisis come up, forcing him into early retirement from the department.

Veterinarians diagnosed the German Shepherd with an untreatable form of cancer in his blood vessels and gave him only a few weeks to a few months to live.

“It’s not been easy," said Pryor, choking back the emotion in his voice.

Charon’s had some company though, through the tough days, thanks to a 6-month-old puppy. Pryor calls her Justice, and he’s hoping she’ll be the department’s next K-9 officer.

“She’s got what it takes," said Pryor. "She'll have some big shoes to fill."

The training though isn’t cheap. It's close to $4,000 and the facility is located in Texas.

Right now, there’s no more money left to cover it because of Charon’s recent medical bills.

“We’re depleted," said Pryor.

That’s why Pryor and his family are trying to raise more money, hoping people remember the good work Charon’s done and want to carry on his legacy.

“His presence has made enough impact with not just the adults but the kids and it’s been a remarkable out come," said Pryor.

It’s an impact that goes much deeper for Pryor. “He’s more than a dog," said Pryor.

This is Pryor’s best friend and he's making every second they have together count, knowing that time is quickly coming to an end.