Teak, the Vancouver police dog who was stabbed Friday night while tracking an armed robber, was allowed to go home with his handler on Sunday.

Teak had emergency surgery for a neck injury early Saturday at Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Care Hospital in Vancouver said VPD spokesman Randy Fincham.

Sgt. Scott Hogg said Teak and his handler, Const. Derrick Gibson, were searching for a man last seen at the Esso gas station at Fraser Street and Marine Drive, where an attempted robbery took place around 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Teak tracked the man to to 52nd Avenue and Main Street and knocked him to the ground. But before police officers could move in the handcuff the man, Teak was stabbed in the neck.

“A struggle ensued where the (suspect) was actually slashing the dog. (Officers) thought he was punching the dog, but he actually had a knife.”

The 20-year-old man is expected to face charges of attempted robbery, assault of the police dog, and weapons charges.

Hogg said Teak is a beloved member of the police family, and when he was taken to the animal ER Friday night many off-duty officers went to the hospital to show support.

It is not yet known whether he will return to police service after his recovery.

The VPD canine squad has stab-proof dog vests, Hogg said, but at certain major incidents, such as a hostage situation or police standoffs. The vests are very heavy, he added, and it’s not practical for the dogs to wear them at all times.

“The vest in this instance wouldn’t have helped the dog because it covers the major organs and body parts and it wouldn’t cover the neck part where he was injured,” said Hogg.

Teak, an 85-pound police dog who will be eight in March, has been injured in the line of duty before. Two of years ago, Teak was beaten up by a suspect during an arrest, taking multiple hits to the head and body.