Well it was kind of a sad morning here. I just sent Remus , my cattle dog, off to Narc Dog boot camp in Washington. I have had him since the day he was born and he has been a great buddy. He has always been a fighter because he was the runt of the litter and had to fight just to get a meal when he was a pup. He is one of the most psychotic ball dogs I have ever seen and he has an unending supply of energy.
When he was only 6 months old I tested him as a detection dog and he passed with flying colors. He has maintained this ability and has gained focus over the last couple years. The trainer up in Washington is always looking for good dogs to go through their narc dog training and to be teamed up with officers. She has wanted Remus for a long time knowing he would make an exemplary narc dog.
Things have been slow around here and money has been tight and I decided it was time for Remus to go off and start working. He was going crazy just being around the house and not having any real work to do. It was a hard decision but I am hoping that it was for the best. I know the trainer will ensure he is teamed up with a good officer that will love him as much as I do and he just might be able to do some good.
thats a tough call. I wish he and you the best. If you think he will be happier being a detection dog, I think you made the right call.
Sorry you had to let you companion go, man. But hopefully he is happy with his tasks - working dogs love to work, after all.
Yeah I just have to keep reminding myself he is always happiest when he is working and I have not had a chance to work him in quite awhile. Now he will get a chance to work virtually everyday.
Here is a pic of him when he was little.
Oh damn that is a cute dog.
The narc dog training up here is first rate, Remus will have a long and very distinguished career. You did well!
In reply to Javelin:
Yeah the head trainer up there has been a family friend for nearly 20 years now. I know she will make sure he is well taken care of. She actually trained me as a detection dog handler about 7 years ago or so (for conservation work not police).
I did ask that once he is finished with training and is assigned to an officer that I could get a picture of him with his new handler. He was pretty much born for the work and it will be good for him.
Sorry to hear you are sending your pup off, but what a great thing you have done.
I'm sorry and congratulations. All at once. 
yeah, and it's probably better for both of you that you didn't just eat him.
Two thumbs up for thinking of the dog. So many people treat them as fashion accessories instead of companions. I'd rather visit a jail than an animal shelter. So many eyes with the "What did I do wrong?" look. Breaks my heart.
A Blue Star Service Banner seems appropriate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_flag
John I think when I get the photo of him with his new handler I will incorporate that banner.
Remus may have just fortunately found his life's calling, not many humans can even claim that. Be glad you recognized the talent and did the right thing.
I'll hoist a brew... or few in honor. 
Do you know where Remus will end up? Any specific agency or anything?
I'm glad my shepherd is content guarding the family.
Well his initial training is going to be with the Washington State police in Pierce County. But from there he could work anywhere in the state. He may end up with DOC but I have a feeling he will more than likely be used in the field and not at a prison.
I whole heartedly agree that getting a working dog and not using it for work isn't good for either of you. Those australian dogs and heelers look like a handful, I bet that dog could run farther than I could ride a bicycle.
Glad to see there are still some responsible dog owners, as much as you hate to let him go this is the dogs calling.
Oh yeah, if you ever need to calibrate the dogs nose for marijuana send him out here to california!
sorry you lost your pal.. but you lost him to a good cause. Those handlers get really attached to their dogs.. so do not worry about him getting abused or not cared for
rebelgtp wrote:
Well his initial training is going to be with the Washington State police in Pierce County. But from there he could work anywhere in the state. He may end up with DOC but I have a feeling he will more than likely be used in the field and not at a prison.
My "best ex-girlfriend" had a Shepard trained as a cadaver dog. She told me that the penalty (in GA, at least) for harming a working LEO animal in the field was the same as for attacking a human officer. Remus will be well cared for.
benzbaron I actually still have his father, Doc, he is quite the couch potato for a cattle dog. He is 10 years old and has basically been that way his entire life.
I know that he will be well taken care of by his new handler and all that. Of all the dogs we have Remus was the only one that really NEEDED to have a job. All of the others are content with running in the yard and just being dogs.
My old heeler was extremely hyper in her younger days. When i gave her to my grandma, I trained her to protect her. Since then, she has calmed down drastically and still does her job. I make sure she gets out with my Aussie and runs around every once in a while.
Is Remus an Australian cattle dog?
In reply to Brett_Murphy:
Yep he is, pure bred. As mentioned I still have his dad here.
