Buster, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, is a retired police dog. But just last week he was facing euthanasia at a shelter after being left there by his owner.
Since Buster was 18 months old, he lived with his handler and they two worked together in law enforcement. When Buster’s owner retired, he decided to take Buster with him, until a week ago, when he dropped Buster off at a shelter in Brooklyn, New York, because he was having personal problems.
You would think a dog like Buster would catch anyone’s eye, but within just a few days, Buster was at high risk and facing death rather than the happy retirement he deserved.
NYC Urgent Death Row Dogs described Buster’s story on their website:
“Tragically the owner’s personal problems became Buster’s personal problems and may cost him his life. According to Buster’s records, the dog had successfully worked as a patrol and narcotics K-9 officer. He has been through obedience training, and understands the words sit, stay and heel. When commanded “up” Buster jumps, when commanded “fosum” he will bite or protect, and the word “heel” signifies Buster to either let go of people or release anything in his mouth.”
They added that the retired police dog is well-behaved when left alone, house-trained, has lived with children over age of four and is “gentle and tolerant of all handling and is fine with strangers and rarely barks.
Not only is Buster well-trained, he has lived with children over age four, is gentle and tolerant of all handling and is fine with strangers and rarely barks and “friendly and mellow”.
By all accounts Buster is a wonderful dog, so it was heartbreaking to learn such a special dog was getting passed by, possibly because of his age. Four Paws Sake thought so too, and swooped in to rescue him.
Phyllis at Four Paws Sake wrote a brief update on Buster:
“Buster has permanent placement with a Handler for Retired K9’s.
“We did nothing out of the ordinary as a rescue group. We brought a dog to safety where he will live out the remainder of his life happy, with experienced hands, in the right home.”
Four Paws Sake has ensured Buster’s happy ending, but they also want his story to help raise awareness that there are other Busters out there. “I encourage everyone who is reaching out that wanted to adopt him, that they go to AC&C and adopt another German Shepard in need or look for a GSD in your area and adopt!,” Phyllis said. “They all have a story…”
I’m glad Buster is in great hands and has a bright retirement ahead of him. Share Buster’s story with your friends!
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