During a forest chase, Officer Cory Masterson was struck down, collapsing unconscious. His K-9 partner, Reno, sprang into action, lunging at an armed suspect and driving him away despite sustaining injury. Moments later, Reno guided officers to Cory, who was rushed to the hospital with a severe skull fracture and placed in a coma.
For months, Reno kept vigil at Cory’s bedside. One night, his sudden agitation alerted a caregiver—Cory’s fingers twitched, the first sign of recovery. Slowly, Cory regained speech, movement, and strength.
Months later, another crisis struck. Cory collapsed during the night, foam at his mouth. Paramedics performed CPR but declared him gone. Reno refused to leave, barking protectively. Minutes later, Cory coughed—his heart beating again in what doctors called the Lazarus effect, a rare phenomenon where circulation resumes after failed resuscitation.
Reno had been right, twice saving his partner’s life. Today, Cory continues to recover, while Reno enjoys semi-retirement, still ever watchful. Their story is a testament to loyalty, instinct, and the extraordinary bond between a police dog and his handler.
