To watch an explosive detection canine officer and handler working in tandem is to see trust at work. The faith they have in one another radiates through the leash as they unite in one mission and purpose — to sniff out danger. They become life partners, too. Canine Officers are cared for and live with their human partners.
So it was fitting that when Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) explosive detection canine handlers Dorothy “Dot” Moody and Colin O’Hanlon professed their love and commitment to each other as husband and wife, their canine partners, Obelix and Porto, were present to witness the union: canine of honor and best pup, respectively.
Dressed for the special occasion in tuxedo bandanas, the German Short-Haired Pointers watched with 15 immediate family and close friends, as Dot and Colin said “I do.”
Their originally planned wedding – including 200 of their nearest and dearest at a special event venue – was scrubbed when they became concerned about the health and safety of their guests. Mulling the options for weeks, the couple finally decided on an intimate backyard ceremony and reception. “Even in frightening and uncertain times, we were determined to make our happy ending a reality,” said O’Hanlon.
Dot’s dress also was impromptu, but who could tell? Before the pandemic hit, she attended her first fitting for “her dream dress,” but never got the chance to finish the experience because of the quarantine. Instead, a designer acquaintance of Colin’s came through with a stunningly beautiful new dress, veil and matching mask from the line of Delor Couture.
Dot and Colin’s June 25 vows cap a relationship that goes back years. In 2010, as a Transportation Security Manager, Colin introduced himself to the new hire class at an on-boarding event. Dot, a newly minted Transportation Security Officer, confided to her colleague she was going to marry him some day. By 2014 they were in different TSA roles and began dating.
Today, they happily join with Obelix and Porto to create a new family.