Meet the newest member of the Erath Police Department, a two year old Malaherd (German Shepherd – Belgian Malinois mix) from Hungary, Officer Boo.

Boo specializes in narcotics, tracking and can even perform demonstrations at schools.

Earl Landry Junior, Owner of Industrial and Oilfield Services has been attending K9s for Cops fundraisers in Houston for three years.  He says he was amazed by the what the dogs could do.

“Walk up to a vehicle and get near the tire and sure enough there was something they did some demos for us that’s where we got really intrigued.”

So intrigued that he purchased and donated boo along with an SUV outfitted for K9’s.

“We think a lot about our community.  I’ve been here since 1973 my wife is from here and we felt like we wanted to do more for the community and this was one way to do that.”

And now Boo and Officer Larry Landry are partners.  Landry spent several weeks training with the K9 to become his handler.  He even had to learn Czech, German and Dutch phrases because Boo doesn’t understand English.

“Nine ten hours a day for two and a half months in Houston tracking narcotics it was amazing.”

Even though caring for boo is a full time job, officer Landry wouldn’t have it any other way.

“He’s just like a human we actually talk to each other I’m just waiting for him to answer me back.  On his down time we go walk in the park we play ball he’s just a pet to me when we get in the truck it’s all business and he understands that.”

Boo’s payment?  A tennis ball and a belly rub.

“He’ll put his whole life on the line for that.”

Boo is the first K9 ever to be part of the Erath Police Department.