News

MWD adopted by former handler

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A military working dog traded in his lifestyle of conducting patrols and deploying to one of rest and relaxation with one of his previous handlers when he retired from active duty service Nov. 10, 2014, here and was adopted.

After completing training, Renzo was certified by the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Breeding Program at Lackland AFB, Texas, and was assigned to the 436th Security Forces Squadron in March 2006.

Throughout his eight-year career at Dover AFB, Renzo was assigned to 12 different handlers and was responsible for conducting health and welfare checks in the dorms and on base housing and he also conducted drug sweeps to assist U.S. Customs and Joint Agencies at the passenger terminal. Renzo also deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, where he searched more than 100 houses and was responsible for seven different drug finds.

Senior Airman Ashley Beattie, 436th SFS military working dog handler, was Renzo's last assigned handler and said Renzo will be missed.

"I'm sad to see him go, but I'm also happy for him at the same time," said Beattie. "I'll have him for the next four days until he gets adopted so I'm going to enjoy what time I have left with him at home."

Upon retirement of MWDs, they can be adopted if they are deemed safe and fit to live in a household environment. Renzo met those qualifications and will be adopted by a former Team Dover security forces member and one of Renzo's previous handlers of nearly two years.

Staff Sgt. Tatiana Carbocci, 96th SFS MWD handler, was assigned Renzo from November 2011 to August 2013 at her assignment with the 436th SFS. She said Renzo had quite a personality and was always there to give her a boost when she needed it.

"I wanted to adopt Renzo because he is my best bud and taught me everything I needed to learn about K-9s," said Carbocci. "I owe Renzo a lot. There is a special bond between dogs and their handlers. They are there for you through thick and thin, hot or cold or even if you're having a bad day, so the least thing I can do is give Renzo a good home."

Carbocci and Renzo were reunited Nov. 15, 2014, in Florida where she plans to let Renzo, who is now more than 10 years old, live out his days as a normal house dog.

"I'm going to just let him be a dog," said Carbocci. "He will have toys to play with, I'm going to give him treats and even let him sleep in the bed every now and again."