One of the greatest joys of my 27-year career with the Laramie County Sheriff's Office was the years spent as a K-9 Deputy, K-9 Sgt, and Lt. over all K-9 operations. Shortly after 9/11, a co-worker's wife, who worked as a Vet Tech at FE Warren Air Force Base, let me know that a K-9 on the base was slated for euthanization because of perceived aggressive behavioral issues. She said that, in her opinion, the dog was getting a bad rap and just needed a loving touch. She knew I was working toward being accepted into the Sheriff's Office K-9 program and thought I should look at the animal. With the Sheriff's approval, he and I visited the base kennels, where we met Gretta, a Belgian Malinois who specialized in bomb detection, tracking, and violent suspect apprehension. For me, it was love at first sight. After completing the civilian adoption process, I was challenged to rehabilitate Gretta and meet our training and certification as a K-9 team. Gretta and I spent the next eight years as partners and friends, working day in and day out to protect the citizens of Laramie County. After retirement, she spent the final years of her life in spoiled comfort, running the 5 acres of our property.
My next K-9 partner was a German shepherd named Rowdy. She was trained as a narcotics detection, tracking, and violent suspect apprehension K-9. She also served the community honorably and retired after a long career with the same comfort and dignity that Gretta enjoyed. After being promoted to Lieutenant, I oversaw the department's K-9 unit. During their careers, both Gretta and Rowdy participated in numerous school and public events where they displayed their skills and licked many faces. The public got a kick out of each demonstration and was impressed with their obedience and loving hearts.