POCATELLO — A dog that was set to be euthanized in Utah has been given a second chance in the Gate City, where she now serves as a K-9 officer.

Belgian Malinois K-9 Boo is energetic, athletic, intelligent and loving — but only months ago this young canine was slated for euthanasia due to “aggressive behavior.”

Thanks to local nonprofit Dustin’ Time Animal Rescue, the excitable dog will not only get a chance to live, but will serve as a drug-sniffing K-9 with the Pocatello Police Department.

The rescue provides a safe space for a variety of animals, ensuring each receives proper medical care, is spayed or neutered and is microchipped.

“We try to give them the best start, to get them into the right path and get them into the right places,” said Danniell Dustin, an owner of Dustin’ Time Animal Rescue. “We want to set each animal up for success. Our interview process for adopting can seem a little scary to some people, because we do ask a lot of questions — we want the best for each animal.”

As a show of appreciation, the police union and Pocatello Police Department employees presented the rescue with an $1,800 check to help offset costs the nonprofit regularly absorbs caring for animals. Chief Roger Schei also presented the family with a challenge coin.

“Every donation helps us more than we can even say,” Dustin said. “Our rescue is a nonprofit. Most dogs, we’re in the hole financially. But it’s not about the money to us — it’s about finding the animal the right success.”

The rescue works with partners throughout Idaho and Utah, including area shelters.

“If they have a dog that comes in that has bitten anybody or shows bad behavior while in the shelter kennels, they will say that animal is not adoptable through their facilities,” Dustin said. “So they’ll put them on the list and say they have a due-out date.”

The family spotted the Malinois on that list — just an 8-month-old puppy — and felt she was too young to be put down for being nippy.

“That’s part of the breed,” Dustin said. “When we got her, it was pretty clear she was not an in-home pet that’s going to lay on the couch and relax. She needed a job. It all fell into place and it’s just been the most perfect, amazing thing for Boo — the best opportunity she’s ever had.”

Pocatello police fell in love with Boo right away, and trainers began assessing her potential.

“As he took a look at her, we knew he had something special,” said Lt. Akilah Lacey. “We found a diamond in the rough.”

The department brought her in, and Sgt. Eborn — who had lost his own K-9 in the months prior — agreed to begin the intake process. With city council approval, Boo officially began her new career as a K-9 officer.

While “Boo” is an unconventional name for a police K-9, the department chose to honor the Dustin family’s young daughter, Burniece, who formed a strong bond with the dog during the three months she was in the family’s care. Letting go wasn’t easy.

“I know it was really hard on my daughter, choosing to let her go,” Dustin said. “It’s hard when you get attached to them, but when you see them set up for success like this, in the right environment, it’s worth its weight in gold.”

The selection process for K-9 handlers at the department is rigorous.

“That’s a lot of time and dedication,” Lacey said. “The dog goes home to live with you. They’re serving your family. It’s really based on the dog. After a tough competition, Corporal Brendan Howard was selected as handler. We’re very proud of him and grateful he was willing to take her on.”

For Howard, the opportunity has been a long-time goal. He applied twice before to become a K-9 handler and finally got his chance with Boo. He will complete 160 hours of training with her to prepare for work in the field.

“She shows a lot of promise,” Howard said. “She’s picking it up very fast — she’s very smart. She has ‘some’ manners. She really loves her toy. She comes on patrol with me. We hang out, take bathroom breaks, go play, and then we go home together.”

Howard said K-9 Boo will be a meaningful asset in the effort to remove drugs and criminal activity from the community.

“It helps us get them off the street and keeps the community safe,” he said.