Hugo Boss , as I like to call my handsome , German Shepherdbest ally , was originally known as Hugo T0719 . you may find those numbers tattooed in his ears .

Before Hugo was my best furr - end and protector , he was an IED turkey detection and onset canine for the United States Army .

In August of 2014 , I moved off from all my friends and family in Arizona to Bryan , Texas to start out veterinary schooling , and was living alone in a “ less - than - safe ” locality . After my first year there , I desperately want to adopt a canine tooth associate to keep me troupe and assist me feel safe — a small , relaxed , and low - care pet so I could still focalize on my studies . Hugo was none of those things .

Sylvalyn Simpson and her dog Hugo

You see , when I meet Hugo in 2015 , he had recently returned from his second tour in Afghanistan , where his coach was lose in battle . Hugo endured a blow that entrust him most toothless . He spent 4 month in the kennel of a military al-Qa’ida recovering while his future was being decide .

see as he was no longer able to carry his grip onto the pungency suit due to his lack of teeth , and his disposition did not go away him eligible for atomic number 22 implants , Hugo was formally retired from religious service .

Now Hugo faced another battle — ascertain to be a normal pawl . Military dog are body of work driven , they are not allowed to represent with other dogs , and they are taught that it ’s fine to attack homo in specific site . deplorably , these dogs do n’t always make good pets . Hugo was highly anxious , exceedingly gumptious , and authority aggressive against dogs and occasionally humans .

Hugo retired military dog

Hugo ’s veterinary surgeon at the military base pass to be my female parent . She thought it was a wonderful idea to have her girl adopt an attack - trained , 80 - lbf. beast . I , on the other hand , disagreed . After much persuasion on her oddment , I gibe to meet Hugo — if only to conciliate my mamma .

Despite my disinterest , as shortly as I meet him , I fall in love with him . Hugo was beautiful and reasoning . He had a gentle mortal that simply needed nourishing . His goofy smile and sweet-scented kisses won me over in endorsement . I knew at that time that I could not riposte home without him .

Hugo became my veterinary schoolhouse roommate , study buddy , therapist , and running partner . I ’d say he was happy to transition to retired life . Although adopting Hugo and helping him acquire to be a canine civilian has been challenging , we have made terrible progress . He now enjoy making new friends with both dogs and human , and even some cats ! We still knead on his societal accomplishment day by day and the breeding never stops , but that throw our relationship even warm .

My experiences with Hugo have learn me valuable lessons about patience , understanding , and love .   Now , as I transition into my theatrical role as a full - sentence veterinary surgeon , I see that I am well capable to work with anxious or aggressive patient because of my time with Hugo . He ’s a on-key bomber — for our country and for me personally . I ca n’t imagine my life without him , and I would n’t want it any other means .