Radnor Township’s narcotics dog, Onyx, began his career as a five-month stray in Louisiana, writes Dawn Timmeney for Fox 29.

“He was mangy. Probably 50 or 60 pounds. So, he’s definitely bulked up since he was a sight,” said his Radnor Police handler, Officer Brett Greaves.

When Onyx ended up at Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue in Schuylkill County, Rescue founder Diane Buhl saw the pup’s potential.

She reached out to Officer Greaves and his family, who have fostered other dogs from the organization.

“He was not afraid of anything. He was pleasant and he liked to play ball,” Buhl explained. “Those are three things you are usually looking for any kind of working dog.”

Greaves and Onyx bonded right away.

Greaves suggested to Radnor Police Superintendent Chris Flanagan that Onyx join their K9 unit.   

It was an unusual request since rescue dogs aren’t usually on the K9 list, but six months of training later, Greaves and Onyx were on the street.

“The dog surpassed everybody’s expectations and, frankly, so did Officer Greaves and the bond they had,” Flannagan said.

Onyx has helped in major drug busts and has done work for the Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspector and DEA.

Read more about Onxy’s success story at Fox 29.