K9 Taiyo

Handler: Deputy Padilla

Denver Sheriff Department

Deputy Padilla has been with Denver County Sheriff's Department since 2005. She and her K9 partner Taiyo have been working together for since 2025 in the K9 Unit. Taiyo's specialty is narcotics detection work. She is a yellow Labrador, born in 2023.

K9 Taiyo was originally bred to become a service dog for the military; life had a different path planned for her.

When it became clear that Taiyo was meant to serve in another way, fate stepped in. At the same time I was preparing to retire my longtime partner, K9 BOLO, I was searching for the right dog to continue the work. When I had the opportunity to test Taiyo, it didn’t take long to see that she had something special.

Her drive, focus, and heart showed immediately. I knew she would thrive in the demanding environment of detection work. From the moment we started working together, our bond formed quickly, and she has proven herself to be an incredible partner.

Today, Taiyo has found her true calling in detection work, bringing energy, determination, and joy to every day on the job.

Her name, Taiyo 太陽, is Japanese for “The Sun.” For me, it carries a deeper meaning — a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, the sun will always come again.

Thanks to Friends of Sierra, Taiyo will have the support needed to stay in tip-top shape, keeping her happy, strong and healthy!

(Updated 2026)