SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - In this photo by the U.S. Coast Guard, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Schiltz, a Coast Guard narcotics K-9 handler, works with Duran, a narcotics sniffing German Shepherd at Station South Padre Island, on Friday, November 21, 2008.
Schiltz has been partnered with Duran since 2003 and actively trains him 4-hours per week. Duran, 10, holds the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class, and is the last narcotics sniffing dog in the Coast Guard, said Schiltz.
"The biggest challenge is keeping up with Duran. He's very high-spirited. He doesn't know how to quit, but on the other hand, he's family. He's definitely a good companion. The only downfall is he doesn't like the pizza guy," said Schiltz.
Schiltz, a boatswain mate, is preparing to retire in the immediate future. The Coast Guard is permitting Duran to retire and remain with Schiltz, he said.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello
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