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Board weighs options for canine Ares amid health concerns and multiple offers
Summary
Commissioners discussed rehoming the sheriff's K9 Ares after a cancer diagnosis, considered an amended free transfer from Nelson County, and requested two weeks for further options; Nelson County outlined roughly $8,000 in training costs to certify a deputy who would care for the dog.
Commissioners and staff spent an extended portion of the meeting on the future of Ares, the county's sheriff canine, after the dog underwent tumor removal and has an estimated 10% chance of cancer recurrence. Chief Deputy Matke of Nelson County summarized Nelson's interactions and wrote that Nelson had been caring for Ares and was willing to accept the dog and continue daily training. "We're willing to allow him to work as long as he can," Matke said, noting Nelson had invested in vet care and training.
Matke told the board that certifying a deputy through the Canadian trainer would cost roughly $5,000 plus travel and lodging, totaling about $8,000, and cautioned that agencies rarely pay top dollar for a dog that might have cancer. Commissioners discussed joint-powers transfer agreements, competitive-bid requirements for surplus county property and the possibility of rehoming the dog if it reached end-of-service. The board agreed to wait two weeks for additional information and follow-up with outside agencies before making a final transfer decision.
