TSA dog about to retire gets a big surprise during his final bag search
As a part of their training, dogs used in K9 detection programs across the country operate on a reward system. Whenever they find something, they receive a reward, usually in the form of their favorite toy. For K9 TTirado, who worked at Indianapolis International Airport, his treat was a tennis ball.
Now in retirement, TTirado can play with his tennis ball whenever he wants. But before he left, his handler came up with a special treat for him.
TTirado loves tennis balls
“It’s a coveted item during their career,” Keith Gray, TTirado’s handler, told The Dodo. “They know that they have to work for it to get it, and that’s what keeps them going and keeps their motivation up.”
TTirado has had a very successful career as a detection dog at the airport. Considered at the top of his class, the dedicated K9 has passed every single evaluation and test he has taken.
Fortunately, scent detection is a game that TTirado loves and has been happy to do every day, which has led to him excelling at the task.
Helping TTirado celebrate his long career
“He was the first dog that was assigned to me and the dog I kept my entire career,” Gray said. “He’s a black Lab, so he’s a fantastic, lovable pup. He’s been such a great dog to work with, and I’ve learned so much from him over the years.”
As TTirado neared retirement, Gray wanted to come up with a special way to celebrate. Ordering 200 tennis balls, he set up a special, final search for TTirado. Of course, Gray knew it would be an easy search for the K9. All he and his coworkers had to do was wait.
Coming up with a plan
“We had a couple of handlers that were behind the scenes ready to drop the balls when he showed up,” Gray said. “The handlers knew what to do when the dog alerts, which is basically him coming around the corner, sniffing that bag like he’s supposed to and dropping his butt to sit down.”
As soon as TTirado gave his expected signal, Gray’s coworkers dropped the balls. Surprised at first, the dog was soon in heaven as he ran after his favorite toy, but which one? Gray was able to capture the special moment in a video, which the TSA put online. In the background, you can hear everyone cheer as the balls drop all around the dedicated pup.
Relaxing in retirement
TTirado, after many years of hard work, will now be able to relax in retirement. Gray has adopted him officially, even though the dog has been living with Gray and his family since he started working with the handler.
No longer does the K9 have to put in 40-hour workweeks. Now, he can enjoy life on the many trips Gray plans on taking him on. In addition to enjoying life, TTirado can take the time to relax and enjoy his favorite toy whenever he wants.
“Now that he’s retired, he can have all the toys and tennis balls he wants and play around with them at home,” Gray said.
Watch the happy celebration and TTirado’s reaction in the video below.
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