USAF Retired - K9 Rex

[k9handler]

Just wanted to share that after 8 months of paperwork and vet exams, I was able to bring Rex home so now he is Mr. Rex.

EDIT: Just to add that he is the retired guy, I had to extend 1 year to get the assignment so I retire next summer.

[Joeaksa]

Good call and sure he will have a very good life with you at home! Nice looking pup!

[rouxroux]

Great looking dog Smitty! How old is he?

[rcecale]

That's one handsome lad!!!

My bro-in-law, Tim, runs the K-9 division for the Tacoma PD. One of the dogs he used to work with several years ago was Odin.

Where most dogs would get excited and start jumping around, whenever you offered them something ("Ya wanna a treat?") Odin would remain unphased. He would, however, have that reaction whenever Officer Tim had his uniform on and asked, "Hey Odin! Wanna go catch a bad guy?" Odin would get so excited!!!

Randy

[Rick Lee]

I've always wanted an East German Shep. Very disciplined.

[Zef]

Hoooo....he's a very nice buddy...look great...he's a lucky dog heee....!

[Seahawk]

HD,

Why the long process? I have space.

[Halm]

Beautiful puppy! I have always loved Shepards.

[Grady Clay]

Welcome home Mr. Smith and Mr. Rex. We are honored by your service. Thank you.

Best,
Grady

[masraum]

Great looking dog.

I'm looking for a Shep puppy to replace my last.

I love Sheps

[84porsche]

Congrats on bringing Mr. Rex home. He is a beautiful Shepard, although I am biased toward Shepards.

[MRM]

Congratulations to both of you upon becoming PFCs. May you have as long and successful retirements as you had careers.

[nostatic]

that ain't no pup...but a very handsome dog.

Sincere thanks to both of you.

[k9handler]

thanks for the kind words, here is a brief bio on Rex.

Rex was whelped Oct 2000, and entered the USAF sometime around the age of 1. Rex then came to Ramstein Germany in 2002 after completing his basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. Rex was certified as a dual purpose dog with both Explosives and Attack training. Rex served in Operation Iraqi Freedom during his brief military career.

In summer 2006 Rex began to show sings of fatigue while working and was examined on several occasions by the vet. It was determined that Rex had some spinal issues that when fatigued he didn't quite have the muscle control he once had...this made him no longer fit for duty.

With all the training Rex has had, the military wanted to make sure the decision to release him was the correct one so that is why the long paper trail.

The military is concerned about public safety so screening is required before these dogs can be adopted, both of the dog and of the person wishing to adopt. With attack training these dogs must not be overly aggressive, in other words they must be controlled and not a hazard to the public. The adoption screening for the handler/candidate is not difficult, just a check to ensure a good home is provided with certain criteria met.

In my 10 years as a handler, I have seen 3 adoptions go through at the bases I have been stationed. The adoptions in the past have been limited to current and prior handlers, but for example the vet here has one she adopted at her last assignment. I will look and see of I can find the adoption home page and post it here.

Thanks again for the nice comments.

P.S. it's early on a Sunday morning and Rex does not believe in sleeping in, he was fed at 0400 for his entire life. =o)

[nostatic]

note: I know this is somewhat OT but I had a special request to post this to the tech board, at least for awhile. -ns

[RWebb]

I am biased....






but nice dog! And young looking for his age too.

[Grady Clay]

That was my request to move the thread.

I think everyone on the Forum recognizes k9handler’s (and Rex’s) military contribution. Smitty has been a long time contributor on this forum. We need to welcome them home after years of service in the mid-east and Europe.

Best,
Grady

[jester911]

Thanks to both of you for serving. Funny how the discipline learned in military training makes for better people and dogs.

[Danimal16]

Welcome home to both of you. Thanks for making our world safer.

[GeorgeM]

Nice pic, Smitty. Is that his official USAF service record photo?