Adoption means Sergeant's best friend home for good

Published Aug. 4, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Logan Tuttle
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Two Airmen recently retired from the 52nd Security Forces Squadron. While this isn't an unusual occurrence for most bases, the Airmen themselves are. Ricky, tattoo number B278; and, Agar, tattoo number F062, both German Shepherds with the 52nd SFS Military Working Dog section, are certified for patrol and bomb detection, and getting ready to hang up their badges for a simpler life.
Making the occasion even more special is the fact that Ricky, age 10, and Agar, age 6 will find their new homes with the handlers they've worked so closely with the last several years.
Staff Sgt. David Duty, Ricky's handler and Staff Sgt. Tricia Fuller, Agar's handler say they worked on adopting their dogs as soon as they found out about the animals retiring.
Retirement is common when the dog's age and health starts to play a factor and they can no longer endure the life of a military working dog and constant deployments, Sergeant Duty said. "Mentally Ricky still thinks he can do it all," he said, "but physically he can't. "
After getting the dog's basic records, both handlers had to send a video to review the dog's aggression level to the Department of Defense Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Once that step was complete, a letter transferred the dogs from the military's care to the handlers. Sergeant's Duty and Fuller then gained new family members. "It all actually went pretty quick," said Sergeant Duty.
Both handlers say they have a special bond with their dogs that some may not understand. After years of working with them, they feel lucky to be able to adopt them. "It's wonderful," said Sergeant Duty. "I've had Ricky my entire tour here, and he's been my favorite. They're always loyal to us and it's great that we get to honor that; it doesn't always happen."
Both dogs and handlers have deployed and gone TDY numerous times. Ricky was one of the first dogs in Iraq in 2003, and Sergeant Duty said, "If Ricky could talk, I'm sure he'd have some stories." The handlers say they got an idea of what it would be like taking care of the dogs because they lived with them on deployments. Sergeant Fuller and Agar were in Iraq together as well as providing presidential support in Germany. Sergeant Duty and Ricky also deployed to Iraq, and provided presidential support in Oman and Austria. The dogs have alerted and found numerous things throughout their careers.
The handlers said they feel honored to give the dogs a good home after all their years of hard work and they look forward to spoiling their new family members. "I think it's going to be awesome. I'm going to give him the best food." "He's going to gain a brother, sister and three kids to play with and I'm going to let him sleep on the couch," said Sergeant Fuller.
"They've pretty much been a gift from God, protecting us every day. We feel devoted to these dogs and we want to pay them back for all the sacrifices they've made," said Sergeant Duty.
Honoring Fallen Airmen
Sadly, not all of the K 9's careers with the unit have ended on such a happy note. The 52nd Security Forces Squadron has lost several dogs in past months and Sergeant Fuller said "It's a very sad occasion, since these dogs have been through so much."
In memory of their fallen comrades, 52 SFS will be honoring: Senta, Tattoo No. B284; Senta, Tattoo No. B386; Rex, Tattoo No. A191; Jeck, Tattoo No. Y129; Argos, Tattoo No. Y125; Alan, Tattoo No. B361; Rico, Tattoo No. Y004; Falco, Tattoo No. L339; and Tarzan, Tattoo No. X116.
A memorial service will be held Sept 3, 1:30 p.m., in front of the kennels.