Dr. Richard Jablonski, of Roan Mountain Animal Hospital, was recognized Tuesday with a plaque after 25 years of service to Elizabethton Police Department’s K9 officers.
“His service provides a great benefit for our program,” said Police Chief Greg Workman. “A lot of work goes into the care and training of our K9 officers, and we have a lot of confidence in him. You can’t put a price on that.”
Years ago, Jablonski trained various dog breeds in protection and obedience, so when the opportunity arose to provide veterinary care for K9 officers, he volunteered.
He now cares for K9 officers in Elizabethton, Carter County and Avery County, North Carolina. Among dogs he has served over the years are EPD K9s Yoris, Sonja, Sam, Max, Chase, Ayk, Kero and Brett as well as Carter County Sheriff’s Office K9s Bubba, Kabor, Max, Kilo, Kanou and Diesel.
Jablonski has been the veterinary care provider since the county and city first got K9s, said Workman.
Since K9 Brett’s retirement in 2015, 10-year-old Kero is the only EPD K9, and despite his age, handler Cpl. Sarah Ellison-Dingus said the Belgian Malinois is in excellent health.
“Jablonski’s years of experience and the compassion he and his staff exhibit gives me as a handler a sense of peace when we visit with him, whether it’s a routine appointment or something that is of concern,” said Ellison-Dingus. “I take my personal animals there and always have had complete confidence my pets and K9 partner are getting the best care available.”
Jablonski provides nearly all of his services free to the EPD and CCSO, which Ellison-Dingus said is crucial for the existence of the program.
“Without the donations of time and money that he extends to us through his practice, our expenses for care would be far more than I’m afraid our K9 program and small programs like ours could bear,” she said. “It could be the difference between having a K9 program and not in this time where county and municipalities are looking to cut budgets.”
Workman and Ellison-Dingus agreed a plaque is only a small gesture to compensate for his reliable and consistent commitment to K9 care, and thanked him and his staff for their continuing service.