BOONE, N.C. -- Maus is a one-year-old German Shepherd that is now a part of the Boone, North Carolina Police Department. She came to the police through her previous owner, Michael Story.

"I did this because a personal situation came up where I couldn't have her anymore. And there's none of my family that I really trusted with her. So I called the police to put her to her full potential," Story told News 5.

Her handler on the Boone police force is Sgt. Scott Mackler. He has only had Maus for a week. "She's very energetic, very personable. She's very social, loves to play. Everything with her is a big game. She's very smart, she is able to pick up on things immediately. It's just amazing how quick a learner she is," Sgt. Scott said.

Sgt. Bill Hartley Jr. set all of this up after getting the call from Michael.

"This guy's really concerned about the dog, but yet he wants the best for it. Totally unselfish act that he wanted to do the best for the dog. You could tell it was killing him to give the dog up," Hartley said.

Story has a special bond with the dog. The Army veteran was stationed in Germany where he learned the language. He used German to command Maus. It just so happens Sgt. Mackler speaks German as well.

"Her personality is just outstanding. I can't get over how well she minds, how well she plays with other people. She's going to be a great dog, great asset," Mackler said.

One of Maus's responsibilities will be suspect apprehension. She follows every one of Mackler's commands, and when given the right command she will attack.

She will also be trained to search for many different kinds of drugs and to track suspects through scent. The Boone police will allow Michael to come and see Maus whenever he can.

"So far I've been here once a week. I don't think they can get rid of me," Story said.

And they're pretty sure Maus wants him to hang around as well.