A Polk County Sheriffs Office K9 shot while protecting deputies during a confrontation last week is returning home after emergency surgery and days of recovery.The sheriffs office announced Sunday that K9 Ace was released from v eterinary care after being critically injured Thursday night while assisting deputies during a shooting incident.According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office, the suspect who shot Ace was killed at the scene by Aces handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, and two other deputies.Officials said Deputy Oestreich immediately treated Aces wounds and carried him to safety before he was rushed to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where staff stabilized him.Ace was later flown by Tampa General Hospitals Aeromed team to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. There, Dr. Diaz performed surgery that resulted in the amputation of Aces left front leg.The sheriffs office said Ace attempted to walk shortly after waking from anesthesia and has remained active during recovery. ...read more read less