SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of a K-9 killed in the line of duty.
Ado, a 5-year-old German shepherd, was struck and killed on 47th Avenue by a vehicle Sunday evening while chasing suspected carjackers running from officers. The driver of the vehicle that struck Ado stopped at the scene.

The incident began when sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a carjacking at an apartment complex in the 6900 block of Lewiston Way. The victim, 67, told deputies he had been approached by two men who punched him, took his car keys, and stole his vehicle, a white Ford Explorer.

A sheriff's K-9 unit spotted a white Ford Explorer near 47th Avenue and 54th Street. The SUV stopped in an apartment complex parking lot and the two men got out and fled. Ado chased after the men but was struck and killed as he crossed 47th Avenue.

Deputy Anthony Jenkins watched as his K-9 partner was hit by the car. Jenkins said Ado would have caught the suspected carjackers and was "four or five steps" away from one of them when he was struck.

"Just a loving dog. I enjoyed working with him. Glad he was my partner," said Jenkins who had partnered with Ado three years ago.
Ado not only accompanied Jenkins on the streets, but also lived with him and his family at home. Jenkins had to break the news to his teenage son after his shift on Sunday.

"When it came down to taking care of business, he was there to take care of business. When it was time to be a gentle, friendly sociable K-9, he was able to do that," said Jenkins.

Ado was one of 13 highly trained K-9s who work for the sheriff's department. The dogs, which cost approximately $6,000 to $9,000 apiece, are responsible for numerous arrests because they can flush out criminals in hiding places and chase them down quickly.

The carjackers are still at large. If caught, they face an additional felony charge in the death of a K-9 killed while performing his duties.

K9 Ado will be buried at The East Lawn Pet Cemetery in a special section for police service dogs. If you would like to make a donation to help cover the cost of Ado’s burial, marker, and service you can do so through paypal by clicking http://www.ssdk9.com/content/donate/ or email .

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