[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)