Nitro, Sir

Don Rubello looks suspiciously at Frank Serpico’s mouse: “What's with the mouse?”
Serpico: “He’s my partner. He sniffs out drugs. You know, I just send him through his little hole, he’s gone for a while, and then he comes back with the heroin.”
Rubello: “Oh, yeah, I heard of that.”
Serpico: “You heard of that? Yeah?”
- "Serpico"

            FARMINGTON HILLS – Nitro is the bomb.

            The majestic five-year-old German Shepherd was a canine celebrity at “It’s a Dog’s Life,” an event at The Costick Center that offered reduced-cost vaccinations for local dogs. “It’s a Dog’s Life” wasn’t all business, though. There was doggie-style fun stuff there too: pet/owner look-a-like contests; ugly dog contests; and vendors galore.

            Hundreds of dogs and their owners attended. Golden Retrievers were dressed as Red Wings fans and dachshunds wore tutus. But no one dog commanded attention like Nitro.

            Nitro was there with his human partner (Not-So-Mean) Officer John Greene of the Detroit Public Safety Dept., police dedicated to keeping Detroit Public Schools safe. The pair gave K-9 demonstrations throughout the day.

            Nitro and Officer Greene are nominated for Police Magazine’s 2010 K-9 Team of the Year. Go Nitro!

            Born in Germany, Nitro has been with the public school police department for four years. His certifications include Narcotics, Tracking, Building Search, Evidence Search, Area Search, Obedience, and Handler Protection.

            Nitro lives with Officer Greene and his family. He is trained to protect Officer Greene with his life.

            At one point during the event, Officer Greene needed to get something in his car. “Stay right here, Nitro,” he said. As Officer Greene ran off, Nitro remained motionless. He eyes remained fixed on the Exit. Nitro’s concentration never wavered as he lay with his front legs crossed. When Officer Greene bounded back, Nitro made sure Officer Greene got in his seat just fine.

            Nitro has inspired me to sign up Vito for puppy obedience class. I’m not looking for a miracle. I don’t expect Vito to take a bullet for me, but if he came when I called, that would be nice.