I never thought I would be writing something like this so soon.  After four and a half years of service with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department K9 Kaleo has been retired.  Kaleo was recently retired after a tumor was discovered on his rear foot.  He was retired from service due to unforeseen medical expenses that the county could not cover.

I have had many different feelings about Kaleo being retired, but in the end it was what was best for his health.  In the four years we worked together I never had any doubt that he had my back.  I can think of several occasions where he definitely saved my life.  He even took a shovel to the head from a suspect after locating him that could have easily been meant for an officer. 

Kaleo has been my partner, friend, and family member.  I will miss getting ready for work at night with him running around the house just waiting for me to open the door.  Many say the bond you develop with your first dog is something special.  This statement is true and I thank Kaleo for some of the best four years on the Sheriff’s Department.  Kaleo had this game he used to play with officers, citizens, or any poor person he could bait in.  He would bring you an item, sometimes a ball, a water bottle, leaf, or even a paper clip.  He would drop it at your feet and if you didn’t notice him then he would place it in your lap.  If you were foolish enough to throw it for him then he had you hooked.  He would play the game as long as you would throw the item.  This was one special aspect of Kaleo’s personality.  He could be the lovable friendly dog just wanting to play, but when it came time to work it was all business. 

Thanks to the many donations and support from everyone throughout the years SSDK9 was able to cover the cost for the surgery to remove the tumor.  The prognosis I have received from the veterinarians is good, and all of his scans have come back negative for cancer anywhere in his body.  Kaleo’s next step will be to undergo radiation and chemotherapy to prevent the tumor from growing back.  This will occur after his foot heals from surgery.  Since his surgery Kaleo has been relaxing at home.  He still gets excited everyday I get ready for work and you would never know he had even had surgery.  Hopefully Kaleo will be able to enjoy a nice long retired life with my family.  He has become a special part of our family and was even there to greet my three children when they first came home from the hospital. 

I would like to thank Kaleo for being a great partner and let him know that my new four legged partner will have some big shoes to fill.  SSDK9 will be holding a 5K/10K race fundraiser in August in hopes to raise money to cover the costly expense for radiation treatment and chemotherapy.  We look forward to seeing everyone there and look back to the website for updates about the run.