With the help of his owner, Zanesville Police Officer Mike Schiele, Bosco made his first guest appearance Thursday night in his hometown since being shot. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Bosco made his way to the stage.

Strangers showed gratitude for his service, while his partner expressed gratitude for something else.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Bosco

"He's the reason I'm still here," Schiele said.

Bosco is a hero amongst this community, but his fight has reached well past Zanesville, ONN's Stephanie Mennecke reported.

"It's not just this community, so many communities across the state and even across the country," said Zanesville Police Chief Eric Lambes.

Even a K-9 officer from Texas showed up.

Schiele said the healing process has been tough, and it's been an expensive recovery process.

"The last bill they had was somewhere around $10,000," Schiele said.

The community is more than happy to pay those bills through continuous fundraising efforts, Mennecke reported.

"You do for them the same as with your own family," said Joy Pressnel, a dog lover who drove from Columbus to show her support.

As Bosco took center stage, he gave the crowd a healthy bark -- a sound anxiously awaited.

"Yes he's a police dog and a valuable law enforcement tool, but he's also a member of my family," Schiele said.

If you want to help Bosco as he continues his recovery, you can donate at the Bucks for Bosco Web site.

Stay with The Ohio News Network and ONNtv.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories:

September 13, 2009: Wounded Police Dog Goes Home For Night
September 2, 2009: Wounded Police Dog Shows More Progress
August 27, 2009: Wounded Police Dog Shows Improvement
August 27, 2009: $2M Bond For Officer, Police Dog Shooting Suspect
August 25, 2009: Man Accused In Officer, Police Dog Shooting Returns To Zanesville
August 24, 2009: Man Arrested In Officer, Police Dog Shooting
August 23, 2009: Officer, Police Dog Shot During Struggle

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