Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte

CBP's Trouble is nominated for the 2004 Paws to Recognize award.

"The U. S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Enforcement program is growing and is aimed at combating terrorism. This year's candidate, Trouble, has been trained to prevent agro/bio-terrorism," said Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Threats to agriculture from harmful pests and diseases are real, and costly. With increases in international travel, there are mounting threats to America's agriculture industry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection's detector dogs are an important tool in meeting the challenge to detect and intercept those threats."

Trouble began his federal career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2001 after being procured from a Texas animal shelter. He is a proud member of the elite Beagle Brigade at Miami International Airport. Trouble and his partner Canine Officer Sherrie Ann Keblish are 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. "We make a great team," stated Officer Keblish. "We've been together for the past 3 years and have built a strong bond. He is not only one of the finest detector dogs, but a great companion. Trouble's enthusiasm starts very early in the morning and is contagious. He is always ready to work."

Trouble and his handler have made 1,834 seizures including 1,541 agricultural items and 697 animal products totaling 853 pounds of meat. Trouble and Officer 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 that could damage agricultural crops or cost American taxpayers millions of dollars to control or eradicate.

"Following in Crazy Joe's pawsteps as this year's Customs and Border Protection nominee would be a daunting task for most dogs but not this one. With his seizure record it is no wonder the other officers say ... 'here comes Trouble,'" concluded Commissioner Bonner.

Six nominees are up for the title of U.S. National Canine Hero Dog. The general public voting via the Internet will choose the winner. There is still time to vote for "Trouble" and every vote counts. You can vote as many times as you wish before the end of the competition on September 6, 2004. A major event announcing the winning canine here will take place on October 6. To place your vote, visit www.pedigree.com and click on the "They're all heroes" icon.