A Glassport police dog is recovering at a Monroeville animal hospital after he was found poisoned in his cage yesterday morning.

Deputy Chief Shawn Deverse said he was going home from dropping off his children at school when he found a wet rag in Zen's cage. The liquid turned out to be antifreeze.

Chief Deverse rushed Zen to Avets Animal Hospital in Monroeville right away, where Zen was treated and stayed overnight. Doctors said Zen responded well to dialysis and is in good condition.

Zen, a 2-year-old German shepherd, has been staying at Chief Deverse's home for more than a year and a half. He was staying in his outdoor kennel when Chief Deverse found him.

Chief Deverse said he considers Zen part of the family. For him, this poisoning is a personal attack.

"In addition to what they did to the dog I feel they came on my property," he said. "He's a police officer. That's the equivalent of somebody assaulting me."

The local police department turned over the case to Allegheny County Police for investigation. Chief Deverse said borough officials contacted him to discuss a possible award for information that may lead to an arrest and conviction.