Holly MatkinAlpharetta, GA – Alpharetta Department of Public Safety (ADPS) K9 Karlo died on Dec. 29 after suffering an allergic reaction to the anesthesia he was administered during a teeth cleaning procedure, according to his department.
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of K9 Karlo,” the ADPS said in a Facebook post later that day. “The doctor’s office did everything they could to save Karlo but he did not survive.”
The nearly-seven-year-old German shepherd joined the ADPS in February of 2014, according to the Alpharetta Roswell Herald.
He served his community alongside his partner and handler, ADPS Lieutenant Ronald Splawn.
K9 Karlo helped police track down illegal narcotics and busted drug rings, Lt. Splawn said in 2017, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
That same year, K9 Karlo also assisted law enforcement in locating a runaway teenager who was suffering from mental health issues and needed emergency intervention, the lieutenant added.
“We are very thankful for K9 Karlo and are our hearts are with Lt. Splawn,” the department said in the Facebook post.
Hundreds of people responded to the department’s post to offer their condolences over the loss of K9 Karlo.
“My heart is breaking for all who knew and loved K9 Karlo but especially for Lt. Splawn. I can’t imagine your sorrow,” one person wrote. “I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts are also with the vet staff.”
A former ADPS 911 worker fondly recalled having spent time with K9 Karlo when he and Lt. Splawn visited the dispatch center.
“[K9 Karlo] was always welcome with treats, his favorite toy and lots of back and belly rubs,” the post read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @AlpharettaDPS as they mourn the unexpected loss of five year old K9 Karlo. Karlo had an allergic reaction to anesthesia used during a routine dental cleaning this morning, and passed away.
Rest easy Karlo, we will #NeverForget you. pic.twitter.com/W9EvqSTT0D
— K9s of Valor (@k9sofvalor) December 29, 2020
@Alpharetta_Police #GA So sorry for the loss of #Karlo K9 safe journey lil hero #OTRB 😢💔🌈🙏 TY for your service so much love and condolences to your handler 🙏so very sad this happened😪🙏💔 pic.twitter.com/Ft3gQAy7R7
— sharon (@sharon58642664) January 1, 2021
'We are heartbroken': Georgia PD mourning after sudden death of K9
😢RIP Karlo. Condolences to Lt Splawn and Alpharetta DPS. He had allergic reaction to anesthesiahttps://t.co/QoRKJnrNnY @AlpharettaDPS#BlueLine #BackTheBlue #dog #K9 #police #military #WaronDrugs #MAGA #LivePD pic.twitter.com/UVLa8g3DuE— Tactical Dog (@TacticalDogLive) December 30, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety and Lieutenant Splawn in the loss of K9 Karlo.
