Furry veteran up for adoption

Published Oct. 4, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tucked away in a small corner of base exists the military working dog kennels and a German Shepherd named Nero. This six-time combat veteran with tours to Iraq and Southwest Asia is currently available for adoption.

Starting as a puppy, Nero served six years in the Air Force as a military working dog. Following his retirement and a Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland review board, he is now ready for a new chapter in his life. The approximately 100-pound canine is looking for a new home with a loving family, but he has a few requirements people should consider before he leaves the kennels.

"We classify his personality as borderline alpha," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Baker, 460th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, "meaning he is a hundred pounds and knows how to use it."

Nero is a trained military working dog and should be treated as such, Baker explained. The pure-bred German Shepherd needs a home without young children and small pets, though Nero would thrive in a home with an alpha-type master.

This Iraqi-war veteran is trained to protect and needs space to burn off excess energy, so a fenced yard is a necessity for Nero's love of play to truly shine.

"He likes to play tug," said Staff Sgt. Cameron Kintzle, 460th SFS military working dog handler, "and any toy is his toy."

With this in mind, Kinztle and Baker agree, Nero is best suited in a home with someone physically able to control him while on a leash and play when he is off leash. However, they caution that his potential owner should not be heavy handed when dispatching discipline and would benefit from knowledge of military working dogs and the German Shepherd breed, as well as have experience with dog training.

After six years of service and combat experience, Nero developed elbow dysplasia, a condition that causes swelling and pain. He is currently on medication, but Nero could greatly benefit from the simple surgery to alleviate pressure in his elbow. Any person looking to adopt this dog should be financially stable and ready to take on this unique challenge. According to Baker, Nero's new owner will receive 90 days of the big German Sheppard's medication to assist with handling his condition. Otherwise, all physical aspects of Nero are top notch. He is current on all of his shots and neutered.

Adopting Nero also entails a couple financial perks. There is no adoption fee and Science Diet will donate a year supply of dog food to Nero's new family, stated the kennel master.

So how does one go about adopting Nero? It is a process that includes paperwork, an interview and some hands-on time with the dog. With an enthusiastic adopter who completes all the required items, the process may take one to two weeks. To schedule an appointment or for additional information, contact Baker at 720-847-DOG1 (3641).