GALLERY: K-9 sheriff's deputy Boone back on the job after cancer leads to leg amputation

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — He's one of the most popular members of the Wise County Sheriff's Office in Virginia.

"He loves to work," says his partner, K-9 Sgt. Mikhael Tabor.

The "he" that Tabor is referring to is Boone, a one-year-old Bloodhound K-9.

"That dog is just motivated," his boss, Wise County Sheriff Grant Kilgore says, "and has the abilities to just get a track and go straight to it."

Tabor and Boone have a special bond.

"With the dog, you’re on call 24/7," Tabor says.

The two are always ready to go at a moment's notice.

"He’s got exceptional drive,"Sheriff Kilgore remarks. "You can’t make him not work."

That was, until a few months ago.

"One day, he [Boone] gets this knot on his leg," the sheriff said.

The knot turned out to be cancer.

Tabor said after hearing it was cancer, "My heart dropped; it scares you to death."

Veterinarians removed the cancer, which led to the amputation of Boone's back right leg. Boone was set to retire, with Kilgore and Tabor already looking for a replacement.

"About two or three days after the surgery, I was talking to the vet,"Sheriff Kilgore says, "and she said this dog is bouncing around like it has five legs. It does not know it’s missing a leg, and she said he’s going to be able to go back to work."

After getting the all-clear from the vet, Boone was back on the job doing the impossible.

"When the vet cleared him to come back in service, it’s like this is the greatest day ever," Tabor says.

Kilgore added, "He was motivated; he wanted to get out there and find people."

Just a couple weeks after being cleared, Boone found a missing child. Over the next nine days, he would locate two more.

Tabor says, "Three finds in 10 days. That’s just amazing work and in my opinion, only can come from the greatest dog."

Who has some big potential for his future.

"He’s such a great dog and I’m so thankful he’s pushed through it," Tabor said.