Meet Ando, the newest addition to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit

Every dog has its day. Ando’s was July 10 when the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office officially welcomed him to its K-9 unit. He takes the place of Hiro, a K-9 who retired in July.

Deputy Kevin Skau was Hiro’s former partner. He was allowed to hand-pick Ando and began training with him July 31.

“Ando is an incredible partner,” said Skau. “The relationship that evolves between a K-9 and his handler is hard to put into words. We rely on one another each time we hit the road and I am confident, with his skills and training, that Ando will be an asset to our agency and community.”

Skau worked with Ando to help him earn his National Police Canine Association bomb certification in September and will continue working with him to earn additional certifications.

Ando and Skau have already been deployed on special details throughout the county.

The sheriff office’s K-9 unit now contains six dogs and six handlers.

Ryan Callihan: 941-745-7095, @RCCallihan

This story was originally published October 5, 2017 at 12:03 PM with the headline "Meet Ando, the newest addition to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit."