LEBANON — For now, the newest member of the Lebanon police force is living a dog's life.

        His world revolves around eating, sleeping, playing and taking rides in the back of a forest-green Jeep that subs as Officer Mark Allen's cruiser.

        But in 14 weeks — after he learns how to track suspects, search buildings and detect drugs — Czar will be an integral part of policing in Warren County.

        The 2-year-old German shepherd and Officer Allen will become the third canine unit in the county. They'll patrol the city together and will be on call to any department that needs them.

        Czar — Officer Allen changed the dog's name from Mickey because it wasn't macho enough — arrived in town a few days before the new year and nine months after Officer Allen lost his former partner, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois named Robie, to cancer.

        Robie's name, in gold script lettering, still graces the back windshield of the Jeep. Czar's name may go there someday, but “he has to earn it first,” Officer Allen said.

        Czar was flown recently from the Czech Republic to a North Carolina kennel that specializes in police dogs. There Officer Allen selected him from several other canine candidates.

        Lebanon police spent $3,600 to buy Czar, and will pay another $3,200 for his training through Bill Hollister, a retired canine officer from Middletown.

        Czar now begs everyone he sees for pats and neck rubs, and bares his teeth only when provoked. So far, the only person he has barked at was the chief.

        “He's a loveable dog. He always wants affection,” Officer Allen said, rubbing Czar's neck as the dog placed his front paws on a table and leaned into the officer for attention.

        However, after his schooling is complete, Czar will be expected to take on a Jekyll and Hyde personality.

        At work, he'll have to turn on his aggression, but know to shut it down on command, Officer Allen said.

        At home in Montgomery County, Czar is expected to show a gentler side as a pet to the Allens and their two-plus children (the couple is anticipating the birth of a third in July).

        “He'll be the kind of dog I can trust taking into a kindergarten class,” Officer Allen said. “And he will be going to my daughter's soccer games.”

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