see also: in September 2004:   Statement: Response by Chief David V. Aguilar on the Drowning of Three Undocumented Migrants   The Container Security Initiative is Operational at the Port of Naples   CBP Border Patrol Agent Saves Two Human Lives   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Responds to Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detection in Tijuana   Agents Mourn and Honor the Loss of two of their own   Missing CBP Border Patrol Agents Located ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Canine Programs

contacts for this news release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner presented the medals and spoke today at the Paws to Recognize ceremony held in New York, honoring "Trouble" as the co-winner of this year's "Paws to Recognize” program. Acquired from a Texas animal shelter, “Trouble,” and three other U.S. heroes dog nominees were showcased on the Fox and Friends morning show. "Trouble" follows in the paw prints of "Crazy Joe," last years winner as the number one voted dog and America's favorite hero dog.

"Every one of these canine heroes deserve recognition for the work they do. When the Beagle Brigade joined with us in the creation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, they gave us another invaluable weapon in the national effort to keep this country safe. I am pleased that "Trouble" is being honored today for the work he does so well. 'Trouble' is a canine hero; however, all of CBP's '4-Legged' friends are heroes and I am proud of everyone of them," said Commissioner Bonner. "CBP continues as the worlds' premier canine enforcement program and will continue to spell trouble for anyone who tries to do our nation harm.”

CBP's 2004 winner is a Beagle stationed at Miami International Airport and is helping safeguard America's agriculture resources by intercepting prohibited fruits, vegetables, meats, and animal byproducts that could introduce foreign pests or diseases into the United States.

“Trouble's” illustrious career includes the seizure of 1,834 prohibited items; which includes, 1,541 plant seizures, 697 animal product seizures totaling 853 pounds of meat. “Trouble” and Agricultural Specialist Sherrie Ann Keblish recorded 115 notable interceptions and prevented a potential disaster for Florida's citrus industry. Most recently, “Trouble” sniffed out a quince fruit, carried as part of a passenger’s lunch, which was infested with 20 Mediterranean fruit fly larvae. This was the second time that “Trouble” found the Mediterranean fruit fly. “Trouble” also intercepted Caribbean-fruit flies. “Trouble's” contributions help prevent foreign pests and diseases from entering our country which could damage agricultural crops or cost American taxpayers millions of dollars to control or eradicate.

"Together we are a very effective team," stated Keblish. "On behalf of CBP, 'Trouble' and I would like to thank everyone who voted for him. This has been a wonderful experience that recognizes all detector dogs from CBP. He is an amazing dog and it is always nice when that hard work is recognized."

"Paws to Recognize" is an international program that recognizes the important contributions of over 15,000 professional service dogs. "Trouble," along with the co-winner, Gentle Ben, a Pet Assisted Therapy dog with the Delta Society's Pet Partners program, had their paw prints in cement to create a Hollywood style Canine World Heroes Walk of Fame.

For more information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Enforcement Program, visit our web site. ( Canine Programs )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.