Holly MatkinRochester, MN – Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) K9 Rajko died on July 30 after being diagnosed with cancer, according to his department.
K9 Rajko’s partner, OCSO Sergeant Ryan Mangan, took him to see the vet about a week before his death after noticing a “significant change” in the K9’s activity level that “progressively got worse” throughout the week, the department said in a Facebook post on July 28.
The veterinarian discovered K9 Rajko was bleeding internally and took him into surgery the following day.
The sheriff’s office later confirmed the K9 was also diagnosed with terminal cancer that caused his condition to rapidly deteriorate, according to a follow-up post.
The department said it was left with “no other option but to save Rajko from further pain.”
“With tremendous sadness in our hearts, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office announces that Olmsted County K9 Deputy Rajko passed peacefully today at 11:30 AM,” the OCSO said. “Rajko was surrounded by those that love him, including his partner, Sergeant Ryan Mangan.”
K9 Rajko served the department for eight years and took home many National, State, and Regional K9 trials awards during his years of service.
“We thank Rajko and Ryan for their dedicated service to all and we share their deep sadness and pain on this difficult day,” the sheriff’s office said. “Please keep Rajko, Ryan, and their family in your hearts as Rajko runs freely across the rainbow bridge.”
Sad news to share. K9 Rajko, who served the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office for 8 years, recently passed away from cancer. During his career, K9 Rajko received numerous awards during K9 trials. Rajko's partner, Sgt. Ryan Mangan, was with him when he passed.
RIP sweet Rajko. pic.twitter.com/19KlQSH7Jr
— Vested Interest in K9s (@VIK9s) August 24, 2021
Be safe and enjoy your weekend, everyone. #K9Rajko #ServeAndProtect #K9Friday #OlmstedCounty pic.twitter.com/Q3pkhKjiSN
— Olmsted Sheriff MN (@OlmstedSheriff) July 23, 2021
. @OlmstedSheriff Deputy Mangan and K9 Rajko were invited to Jake’s birthday party last week.
Jake asked friends for money instead of presents so he could donate to the K9 Foundation.
Today, he turned 9! Let’s wish him a Happy Birthday!
📸 cred: Olmsted-Rochester K9 Foundation pic.twitter.com/fkK9Th7mmE
— Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (@MNSheriffs) October 22, 2019
🤝 Nothing better than a surprise K9 meet and greet! Deputy Mangan and K9 Rajko were doing some training near Elton Hills Elementary School when a class stopped out and requested a demo/meet and greet.
Of course, K9 Rajko obliged. 🐕 #K9Friday #ProtectAndServe #OlmstedCounty pic.twitter.com/DZbrdYf05E
— Olmsted Sheriff MN (@OlmstedSheriff) March 12, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Mangan in the loss of K9 Rajko.
Sandy Malone
