Reporter staff

Kato the canine is doing just fine.

Kent Police’s beloved German shepherd is recovering well from a stab wound he sustained during an assistance response to a Des Moines Police assault case Tuesday.

Kato was released Wednesday from a veterinary clinic and is resting comfortably at home, according to Kent Police.

“I know many were inquiring on Kato’s progress. Kent PD is very thankful for all of the positive thoughts and genuine concern regarding Kato,” Det. Melanie Fraizer wrote in an email. “He is home resting and is on the road to recovery. Thankfully, he is expected to make a full recovery.”

A K-9 officer and his partner, Kato, were requested to respond to Des Moines to assist in attempting to locate an assault suspect at about 6:41 p.m. Tuesday, according to a Kent Police media release.

During the course of the tracking, Kato located the suspect. As Kato attempted to assist with taking the man into custody, he unexpectedly stabbed K-9 Kato in the shoulder with a pocket knife.

Officers were able to get the man in custody, and immediate attention was given to Kato, who was transported to a veterinary clinic where he underwent surgery before being released Wednesday.

Kato has been working on the force for nearly two years and has assisted in numerous apprehensions of suspects.

“The suspect’s actions (Tuesday) could have easily resulted in deadly consequences,” Frazier said. “Incidents such as this remind us of how dangerous an officer’s job can be and the risks we encounter every day.”