Boise Police K9 dog Jardo dies almost one week after being shot in the line of duty

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Boise Police K9 Jardo, who was shot in the line of duty during an officer-involved shooting last week, has died.

The news comes several days after Jardo had what was believed to have been successful surgery where veterinarians removed one of his lungs.

"It is with an extremely heavy heart that I'm here today to deliver some very sad news for our community," said Boise PD chief Bill Bones. "Last night, a member of our department, Boise Police K9 Jardo passed away."

Bones says Jardo's family started noticing him acting strange and became concerned. They called the veterinarian and immediately went to the West Valley animal hospital. Jardo soon went into cardiac arrest and the veterinarians were unable to save his life.

"Jardo's family was able to be there at the veterinarian center when he passed last night and for that we're thankful," Bones said.

A surgeon at WestVet said last week the bullet that hit Jardo ended up getting lodged in his neck.

His passing is a big shock to the Treasure Valley. Just two days ago, Jardo made an appearance at a candle light vigil for the Boise Police officers who were injured in the shooting.

"I know a lot of you saw Jardo on TV this week," Bones said. "And you saw a happy dog...he was turning tears into smiles."

Jardo and Boise Police officers Chris Davis and Kevin Holtry were all injured on Friday searching for Marco Romero, who was wanted for shooting two people and carjacking an elderly woman in Meridian. Holtry remains in critical condition at St. Alphonsus, but is slowly improving every day, officials say.

The 6-year-old Belgian Malinois has been an officer with the Boise Police Department for three years.

A memorial service will be held next week.

Donations to honor Jardo's memory can be made in three ways:

"He truly was a hero," Bones said. "He went above and beyond of what could be expected of any K9 or any patrol officer to save his fellow officers, and I do consider this an in the line of duty death for our K9."

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