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Zephyrhills' finest on 4 feet
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- He wears a badge. He owns a bulletproof vest. He rides in a patrol car. He works 40 hours a week on the night shift, chasing criminals and tracking drug offenders. But he also relieves himself outside, sheds hair and loves his rubber toy. He is Uldo, the 85-pound German shepherd that is the canine unit at the Zephyrhills Police Department. Make that the prize-winning canine unit. Uldo picked up first place recently in the novice category at a U.S. Police Dog Association event in Sarasota. He finished 17th overall among 66 police dogs from Florida and Georgia. Events included tests in obedience, suspect and article searches, agility and criminal apprehension. His strong performance brought two trophies back to the police station. It also earned the 6-year-old Uldo and his trainer, Officer Bobby Theel, a coveted certification from the police dog association. Ask folks around the police station, and they say Uldo is a valuable tool. He possesses a keen sense of smell for illegal drugs. He can fearlessly chase suspects who try to run away. He's popular with kids at school demonstrations. But ask Theel, and you'll learn that Uldo means much more. "He's a full-time partner and companion to me," said Theel, 33. "He is loyal beyond anything. There is no other creature who will love you more than it loves itself. It's pretty awesome." The police department brought Uldo from Indiana about two years ago, thanks to a grant. Theel and the dog have been together ever since. "I wouldn't work without him now," Theel said. Uldo seems to feel the same. He hangs on Theel's every command. Sit. Lie. Fetch. Put it back. Take a break. Bite (this one gets little use). Dog and man work four 10-hour shifts together each week, from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. At home, Uldo stays in a fenced back yard with Theel's various hounds and a miniature schnauzer. There, he's just one of the dogs. "When he goes home, he's off duty. He's not a watchdog at all," Theel said. "My daughter, my folks, they love him. He's a well-rounded, well-mannered dog." Theel plans to compete with Uldo in the police dog association's national competition Oct. 6-11, which will be held this year in Plant City. He said he wants to see how Uldo stacks up against dogs across the country. For now, though, Theel and Uldo will continue their daily police work. Partners by day. Friends by night. "I've always wanted to be a K-9 officer, so it's a dream come true," said Theel as he stoked Uldo's shiny black coat. "I know he's going to be there every day. I know I can rely on him." Zephyrhills Police Chief Robert Howell agrees. Howell admires the dog so much that a framed picture of Uldo hangs behind the chief's desk. "Now, if we could only teach him to drive," Howell said. -- Brady Dennis covers the city of Zephyrhills and crime in east Pasco. To reach him, call (352) 521-5757, ext. 23 or toll free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6108, then 23. His e-mail address is dennis@sptimes.com.
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