European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - May 30, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse A at left sol. Lee p. Rowan and his dog Dex. Heed Tor a Tunnel on the 6,000-meter obstacle course. Dex quickly ran in and out. For Rowan it took a bit of negotiation. By Crystal Laureano stall writer in just a few moments Nero would Lake ins positional the starting Lino in lamp Calheim West Germany. Hews impatient Nero found the pro Competition physical irritating Hie near-80 degree heat and the midday Sun made his Tongue hang far irom his Mouth Asho panned Nero wanted to get started the More to was held Back the More to want Dlo go Good boy ,.that s my baby. Good boy it s said stall sgt Alan w. House in rhythm with soothing strokes under Nero s Nock and along his Hanks despite the unwavering Calm in his voice he too was ice Ling the pre compote sign stress House and Nero made up one of two learns from the 256th military police co in Offenbach West Germany that were entered in the first dual trained military working dog biathlon hosted by the 42nd military police group custom four Oiler companies also entered two teams each for military working dogs the dogs select explosives and drugs during peacetime. Bui their wartime Mission like that of the military policemen they work with is a More rugged yield oriented one. This Competition was the prelude to the annual British army of the Rhino International canine biathlon an event sporadically attended by u s army teams in the past said sol. 1 St class John Mollach group Kennel master. The new tradition will guarantee participation by the top army dog team from now on to said on this unseasonably warm May morning 10 policemen and their dogs would begin a 6,000 meter obstacle course. Only Throe would qualify for the International Competition in augus Tho teams would jump hurdles and crawl through tunnels handlers would carry their dogs Lor 250 meters. Dogs would Cross a dog walk handlers would scale a Wall. With dogs staked behind them handlers would Load and lire 10 m-16 rounds at a target. Finally. The dogs would attack an intruder despite House s Confidence in his partner a 73 Pound belgian Malmo is with the Energy and strength typical of the Breed he knew before the Start that staff sgt. Alan w. House s dog Nero refuses to be i there would be at least one problem he does t like to be carried. He s a Good dog and a Strong dog. Hell do Good but i might have to Lake a Penally on the As the Day wore on and the temperatures climbed one by one the teams left the starting line the doctor like the is photos by Lynda Sparks handlers was concerned about the elevated temperatures the dogs had developed before the event and with reason. One dog the last in the lineup faltered from heat exhaustion Midway through the course eliminating a team that most competitors though would be Tough to beat. Tho disappointed handler stall sgt. Reginald t. Edwards also of the 256th, sighed As he Shook his head sympathetically at Kent his German Shepherd. Keeping a Brave face As his Lellow handlers offered condolences Edwards said you mean i can t Start Over and run it Mysell i la carry a duffle but the heat staff sgt. Alan House holds Nero As staff sgt. Kinney bums left taunts my. Page 14 the stars and stripes.-.i-. Released by his master Nero speeds along the grounds to the attack. Tuesday
