K9 Eros Retires After More Than 100 Deployments With Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - After more than 100 deployments and dozens of captures and arrests, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K9 Eros is retiring from law enforcement service.

Eros, an 8½-year-old German Shepherd trained in patrol apprehension, has served with the Sheriff’s Office since November 2021. The decision to retire him was made following advice from his veterinary care team.

The K9 was originally purchased by an anonymous community donor and gifted to the Sheriff’s Office. During his career, Eros was deployed more than 100 times in support of law enforcement operations.

His service included:

• 39 captures
• 11 felony arrests
• Nine misdemeanor arrests
• 21 felony case assists
• 19 misdemeanor case assists
• 22 community demonstrations

Eros worked with two handlers during his time with the agency: retired Deputy Oscar Rosas and his current handler, Deputy William Maynes.

“Eros has been the best partner. He has been my best friend and my backup. He’s loved his work and serving our great community,” Maynes said. “It has been my honor to have been his handler and now it’s my continued honor to give him a home as a normal dog enjoying his retirement.”

Rosas described Eros as a fearless and loyal companion.

“Eros was and still is the best companion a K9 handler can have,” Rosas said. “He has no fear and unconditional bravery in any situation. Thank you for your service, buddy.”

Eros will remain with Maynes and spend the rest of his life as the deputy’s family dog.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has operated an active K9 program since 2013. The agency credited community donors and organizations including Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs and Bailey’s Veterinary Clinic for supporting the program. Bailey’s Veterinary Clinic provides medical care for the agency’s K9s at no cost.