We’ve written about some absolutely amazing service dogs, such as
Eiko and Rico. We respect their service and are absolutely honored to write about their service to our country.
Through bravery, courage, and amazing work they help keep our country and our soldiers safe. Their loyalty knows no bounds and it always warms our hearts when those service dogs are allowed to come home for a happy and relaxing retirement.
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We believe that all animals, no matter how big or small deserve to be treated well, but we also love to honor those who served our country just a little bit more!
Meet Nero, a beautiful male German Shepard. After serving in the military for seven years, he was finally able to retire. With the help of Mission K9, he found a loving family who would treat him like a king in his final years.
After 11 long and fulfilling years, Nero finally said goodbye, but his family knew they had to honor him and his service one last time.
That above is Nero, the 11-year-old German Shepard who served in the military for over seven years. Truly one of the best furry heroes.
Nero served in Afghanistan as a Contract Working Dog (or a CWD). After serving his country, a rescue group took him in and began to search for the perfect home for him. The group is Mission K9 Rescue, an animal rescue group based in Texas that focuses mostly on military dogs. They care for and find forever homes for these heroic animals.
Nero was a milestone for the group, as he was the first dog they took in that went to Afghanistan!
Nero was soon adopted by Judie, a woman with a big heart. She didn’t mind Nero’s age and knew that she needed to give him the best retirement.
He lived the happiest two years of his life with Judie where he was given constant affection and love. A true retirement for a hero!
Judie issued a statement Mission K9, where she said her farewells to Nero. “May God bless you and hold you dear for your brave and wonderful heart”, the statement read.
Nero served as a CWD for seven years. Wow that’s impressive! Everyday he worked tirelessly to serve his country.
We are happy that he was able to spend two years of his life with someone as loving as Judie.
He certainly earned the endless belly rubs and being treated like a prince.
Nero, the hero, almost wasn’t able to celebrate his retirement.
On the plane ride back from Afghanistan, there was an issue where the pressure on the plane wasn’t right. When he arrived he was on the brink of death, but he was rushed to a veterinarian that was able to save him.
Nero was certainly blessed.
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Shortly after he arrived home, Mission K9 soon found him a home with Judie. Judie knew how to make an amazing retirement for Nero. She threw a birthday party for Nero every year. You can see his “cake” above. You can see that he wants it bad!
By the time Judie had adopted him, he was already considered a senior dog as he was pushing 8 years old. That didn’t deter him from living life to the fullest or stop Judie from being an amazing mother for her furry friend.
Sadly in 2014 he had to get treatment for cancer in his feet. His family never left his side and he was able to beat the cancer.
Always fighting the odds, Nero lived a long, fulfilled life of eleven years! Impressive for any dog, but especially a service dog!
Even until the end he was a protector and loyal to his family.
After he passed, the hospital covered him with an American flag, featuring soldiers and the dogs that they work so closely with. Truly a nice gesture for a dog that gave so much for everyone.
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Judie wrote one final message about her beloved friend Nero:
“A hero died on this day, Oct. 26, 2016. Let us celebrate his life and honor his name. May we raise up prayers of thanks for his life and ask for eternal peace and love for him. Hero, Nero.”
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We salute you, Nero. Thanks for your service and thanks to all veterans. If you are interested in adopting a military service dog like Nero, please check out Mission K9’s website.
If you are able, please consider donating to Mission K9 so more dogs like Nero can get loving forever homes.