San Diego police dog slashed by machete was set to retire

The San Diego police dog slashed by a machete-wielding suspect during a domestic violence call was within days of being retired after six years with the department.

Nando, an 8-year-old German shepherd, underwent emergency surgery for a gash on his back and is expected to make a full recovery.

Under departmental policy for dogs with the K-9 unit, Nando was scheduled to be retired this month and live at the home of his longtime partner.

The incident occurred when police responded to a call Sunday night that a 21-year-old man with a knife and stick was threatening to kill his family.

When police arrived, the man grabbed a machete, slashed at Nando and then attempted to attack the officers, police said. Two officers opened fire, killing the man, whose name has not yet been released.

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