K9 Officer Suffers Severe Burns After Falling Into Scalding Water

Key Takeaways

• Teo, a German Shepherd police dog, suffered severe burns after falling into scalding geothermal water during a search and rescue operation
• She received critical care for three weeks and has been recovering for several months
• Teo has been officially retired from police work and is enjoying her retirement just in time for Christmas
• She had a successful career as a police dog, winning awards for operational excellence and tracking abilities
• Teo’s handler, Constable Adam Johannsen, credits her with saving lives and being a remarkable dog with a big heart

Introduction to Teo’s Story
Teo, a German Shepherd police dog, has finally begun to enjoy her retirement after a long and challenging recovery from a serious injury. The seven-year veteran of the police force suffered severe burns to her hindquarters after falling into scalding geothermal water during a search and rescue operation in Rotorua. The accident occurred when the soft ground gave way beneath her, and it was a touch-and-go situation as to whether she would survive. Fortunately, Teo received prompt and critical care from the vets and nurses at Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which helped her to recover from her injuries.

The Road to Recovery
Teo’s road to recovery has been a long and arduous one, with her handler, Constable Adam Johannsen, describing it as "up and down." Despite the challenges, Teo has made significant progress and is now almost fully recovered. Johannsen noted that Teo is still missing fur from being shaved during her treatment, which makes her look a bit scruffy, but she is otherwise back to her normal self. The pair had been gradually easing back from patrol work when the accident occurred, but Teo’s official retirement was brought forward to the day of the accident. Despite this, Teo still has a strong desire to work and has been trying to jump into the back of the van to come to work with Johannsen every day.

Teo’s Career Highlights
Teo had a successful career as a police dog, graduating as an operational team with Johannsen in 2018. She won the award for best new operational dog in her first year and, in 2024, the pair was awarded the Auckland City District’s Murray Morrisey Award for operational excellence. Teo’s tracking abilities were particularly notable, and she was able to track a person for 3.5km and find him hiding on a building site in a portable loo following a family harm incident. Johannsen credits Teo’s search-and-rescue work with giving her the extra fitness and tracking ability that made her such a valuable asset to the police force. He also believes that her tracking and finding people in search and rescue work likely saved lives.

Teo’s Personality and Impact
Johannsen describes Teo as a remarkable dog with a big heart, who always gives that extra 10 percent. He notes that while she may not have been the hardest dog in terms of apprehensions, her tracking abilities and determination made her an invaluable asset to the police force. Teo has also looked after Johannsen and saved him once or twice, demonstrating her loyalty and dedication to her handler. The support for Teo during her recovery has been incredible, with colleagues and members of the public calling police stations to inquire about her progress and even stopping Johannsen in the street to ask about her.

Retirement and Legacy
Teo’s retirement is well-deserved, and she is finally able to enjoy the rest and relaxation she deserves. Johannsen is grateful for the time they had together as a team and is proud of the work they accomplished. Teo’s legacy will live on, and she will always be remembered as a remarkable police dog who made a significant contribution to the police force. As she enjoys her retirement, Teo will always be cherished for her bravery, loyalty, and dedication to her work. With Christmas just around the corner, Teo can now look forward to a well-deserved break and a chance to enjoy the festive season with her handler and family.