A local K-9 squad came up just short in an effort to repeat as national champions.

Austin police Lt. Matt Holten, officer Eric Blust, Sgt. Jeff Ellis of the county sheriff’s office and a fourth regional handler took second at the 2009 U.S. Police Canine Association’s National Field Trials, which wrapped up last week in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ellis and his decorated dog Tazer — a five-time national champion and 2008 runner-up who is only recently back to competition following leg surgery — took third in the individual competition.

Sheriff Terese Amazi said just seeing Tazer compete again is great.

“I think it’s pretty amazing with the injuries he’s had,” she said.

Holten and his dog Ghost, who is a offspring of Tazer, came in fifth.

The team originally wasn’t planning on going to the competition because of funding, but a number of donations helped them get there.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” Holten said before the trials. “We didn’t think we’d be able to go.”