Handler – Deputy Smith
We are saddened to announce the passing of retired Sheriff’s Office K9, Ari. He served the Santa Cruz community alongside his partner Deputy Smith for six years. He succeeded in any task at hand (or paw) and he LOVED working. He exceled in tracking, narcotics detection, apprehension and chewing water bottles. “Ari was the best partner I could have asked for. He didn’t know the meaning of the word, ‘quit’. No matter how many miles a track went, or how rugged the terrain, he never lost his intense drive to keep going,” said Deputy Smith. Ari retired 4 years ago and got to spend his retirement in his loving home with Deputy Smith’s family. The Sheriff’s Office and anyone who met Ari will miss him tremendously. May you now get an endless supply of water bottles sweet boy, we’ll take the watch from here.