The wife of the NSW police dog handler shot in a western Sydney hospital last week says it was terrifying receiving the phone call all police spouses dread.
Senior Constable Luke Warburton was seriously injured at Nepean Hospital last Tuesday after a man managed to allegedly wrestle the officer's gun away and shoot him in the leg.
Sandra Warburton said her husband has a long recovery ahead of him.
"It was terrifying, he'd only just left for work ... it was totally unexpected," she told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
"The children and I can't wait to have him home."
The Warburtons have three children.
Mrs Warburton said she knew her husband risked danger every time he left for work but never thought it would happen.
"The first three days were extremely difficult - not just for Luke and our family but for the staff at the hospital as well and I can not thank them enough for their expert care, attention and professionalism," she said.
"We are incredibly grateful that Luke's condition is improving."
Sen Const Warburton, 38, was the first police officer on scene following reports a 39-year-old man had held a pair of scissors to the throat of a female doctor at the hospital.
A hospital security officer was also shot with the same bullet that injured the dog handler, whose canine helped capture one of Australia's most wanted men, Malcolm Naden.
Mrs Warburton thanked Nepean Hospital staff for saving her husband's life.
She also said they went above and beyond by letting his beloved dog, Chuck, visit him.
Despite requiring life-saving blood transfusions, Mrs Warburton said Sen Const Warburton is adamant about returning to his job.
"He can't wait to get back to work," she said.
Earlier this week, the Police Dog Unit posted a message to Facebook showing images of Sen Const Warburton and his two dogs, T-bone and Chuck, along with a message thanking staff at Nepean Hospital for the excellent care being received by their injured colleague.
The 39-year-old man remains in police custody over the shooting.
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