DENVER — A Craig Hospital therapy dog is back home after undergoing spinal surgery to live.

Sage, a 5-year old doberman, had a spinal compression in his neck.  Sage’s condition caused him pain and to wobble when he walks.

“In his case, he had compression from both the underside of his spinal cord from a herniated disc and also from his upper side of the spinal cord,” said Dr. Alex Robb, DVM at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital.  “He should be able to have a very functional life and get back to doing what he loves to do.”

Doctors have ordered Sage to rest at home for three months.  A full recovery should take six months to a year.

“There has been so much outpouring of love for this dog,” said Jane Saunders, Sage’s owner.  Saunders is also a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy.

“I’m just glad he’s coming home because this has been a long week,” said Saunders. “He’s moving good and he has a lot of pep to him.  He’s not depressed anymore.”

Sage has been a therapy dog at Craig Hospital for three years.

“It’ll be a huge inspiration for all of our patients,” said Lori Womeldorff, Craig Hospital recreational therapist.

Womeldorff along with Ryan Hood, manage the therapy dog program at the hospital.

“It’ll just be another way for our patients to connect with Sage,” said Hood. “We’re looking forward to when he can come back.”

Thanks to FOX31 Denver viewers, Saunders is able to pay for Sage’s medical bills. You can continue to donate on Sage’s GoFundMe page.

You can also go to any 1st Bank and donate money to Sage, the therapy dog. The account is under Jane Saunders.