The Woodland Police Department is mourning the death of Peydro, a retired K-9 who succumbed to an unknown illness Wednesday morning.
“He was an excellent K-9 and we were proud to call him part of the Woodland police family,” said Lt. Heath Parsons, who oversaw the agency’s K-9 program. “Peydro will remain in our hearts and serve as a reminder of the positive relationship and support we have with and from our community, as evidenced by the overwhelming response when Peydro was injured in the line of duty.”
Peydro retired from the police force last year after being struck by a vehicle while pursuing a fleeing suspect on May 28, 2016. He received treatment at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, where neurosurgeons repaired severe damage to his vertebrae, teeth and jaw as concerned citizens from around the world sent well-wishes and donated funds toward his medical costs.
Though he demonstrated a swifter-than-expected recovery, Peydro was unable to return to police work and retired in October 2016 in the company of his handler, Officer Juan Barrera, and his K-9 successor Niko.
Peydro received the American Kennel Club’s Paw of Courage Award last March.
It was Barrera who noticed signs of an illness Wednesday morning and rushed Peydro to a veterinarian, but the dog passed away before arriving, Woodland police Sgt. Dallas Hyde said.
“Thank you to everybody who followed Peydro through his recovery and continued to ask about him during his retirement,” Hyde said. “During Peydro’s most recent appearance during our Fall Festival it was heartwarming to see how much this community loved him. He will truly be missed.”