WEST DEPTFORD TWP. — The public has been generous toward ailing German Shepherd dog Judge, a West Deptford police K-9.

The 9-year-old dog has suffered some medical problems that have resulted in medical bills in excess of $10,000. Since the township’s veterinary care allowance is $300, this put handler Cpl. Mike Franks in a tough spot.

So, with permission, the department launched a GoFundMe website, asking for donations to pay Judge’s vet bills.

Set up on Wednesday, Nov. 12., the project had reached $9,245 by about 8:30 p.m. a day later and, overnight Thursday, passed and exceeded the goal: Friday morning, it had raised $12,070, including a $2,500 from Cornell & Co., according to Sgt. John Chambers, who set up the GoFundMe page.

Donations came from 121 people, according to the website.

The police also received an offer for free medical care for Judge from St. Francis Veterinary Hospital, said Chambers.

In fact, there was a problem with Judge's surgery site and the vet at St. Francis took care of it Friday, according to Franks.

Judge joined the police department in 2007, but had to be retired in 2013 because of problems with his teeth. In June, 2014, Judge started having health issues and was diagnosed with Cushings Disease. He was given medication to help

control the disease, but just a week ago veterinarians found large tumors on the dog’s liver and testicles. These have been removed at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital. The tumor on the dog's liver was benign, Franks said. The one on Judge's testicle was cancerous, but neutering him earlier in the week seems to have removed the problem, said Franks.

Chambers said anything raised in excess of Judge’s bills will go to West Deptford’s K-9 fund. The department has two active K-9s. The GoFundMe sute will remain active for another day or so, said Chambers.