Zeus, the black Labrador retriever deputy injured in the line of duty during a drug bust Wednesday, was back at home and gingerly hobbling Thursday afternoon.

The 5-year-old drug-sniffing pooch assigned to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department for the past four years received 31 stitches — including 20 internally — after being injured during the raid at 457 Standard Hill Road that sent a convicted felon to the Warren County Jail.

“Lt. Randy Lewis and I noticed that he was bleeding,” said Zeus’ handler and partner, Deputy Brad Redditt.

Zeus was sniffing a washing machine on the front porch of the home, a sniffing that led to nearly three pounds of marijuana being found and the arrest of Charles H. Jackson, 62, who served 180 days in 1996 in a state prison after being convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

“I had to pull him off of the search because he was not stopping,” Redditt said.

The injury to Zeus’ rear right leg came as he crossed over a piece of tin lying in the front yard of the home, Redditt said.

“Once Brad and Randy got him in the car I called ahead to the vet,” Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said. “The staff at the Animal Medical Clinic was waiting in the parking lot for us.”

About 45 minutes and 31 stitches later, Zeus was resting comfortably.

Dr. Amy Brogdon, who performed the procedure, said Zeus will be out of commission for two to four weeks.

“It all depends on if there is damage done to the nerve,” she said. “But he is walking today, which is a good sign.”

Zeus originally comes from Germany. As a puppy he was sent to a K-9 school in Kaplan, La., where he was trained for six months.

Throughout his career in Warren County, Zeus has been credited with finding more than 50 pounds of marijuana, several pounds of cocaine and 30 grams of methamphetamine.

“He is a great benefit to the department,” Redditt said. “He is my partner and I count on him.”