A canine conquest

EATON, Ohio (WDTN) - Tucker, a three-year-old German Shepherd, spent Wednesday at the Eaton Police Department, getting used to his new title as police K-9. His partner, Sgt. Chad Depew is getting a lesson in tracking. Tucker showed off his stuff sniffing out a bag of heroin in the wheel well of a car.

"The biggest obstacle for me was learning how he works," said Tucker. "By the time I got to train with him, he had to train me."

It's the team's first day at work after spending a week getting to know each other at a training facility in Texas. Tucker was trained for nine months to become a narcotics and tracking dog, but he started the year with a dark future. He was at a shelter in California, awaiting a scheduled euthanasia after his family decided he had too much energy to be a household pet.

"He was basically sitting on death row a few months ago, and now he's not only working and has a new home with us," said Depew. "It's really amazing the path he's taken the past year."

The path from California led to Texas, where a dog trainer learned his story and adopted him. Again, a warm heart paved the way for Tucker's new career. The "Support Military Working Dogs" organization in Springfield learned Tucker's story and donated the dog to the Eaton Police Department.

That generosity spread. A local veterinarian has now donated Tucker's care, and the Humane Society of Preble County stepped up to provide his food.

"The support we've had is great. I look forward to being able to use him in the community and give back a little bit," said Depew.

Tucker could be on the streets by September 17 to meet his new community. While he's cute, Depew said it's important people remember he's got a job to do.

"He's not a pet, he is a working dog," Depew said. "While he's for the most part friendly, he's not trained to be social, he's trained to do a job."

Meantime, donations have been pouring in, and there's almost enough money to buy Tucker a ballistics vest. If you'd like to help, call the Eaton Police Department at 456-5531.