Vote for Barni as TSA’s Cutest Canine. (TSA photos)
SAN FRANCISCO – The final round of voting is underway in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2024 Cutest Canine contest, and you are invited to vote now for a TSA canine who works at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Barni is a 5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) who works with her handler, Michelle, at SFO. Barni is one of the two finalists in this year’s Cutest Canine contest. You can vote for Barni now through 9 a.m. PDT on Thursday, August 22.
All voting is being conducted via TSA’s social media platforms including its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts. TSA will announce its “Top Dog” on Monday, August 26, to coincide with National Dog Day.
“I am not surprised that Barni is a finalist for TSA’s cutest canine. He catches the eye of travelers as he works his way through the airport,” says Fred Lau, TSA’s Federal Security Director for SFO. “Most people don’t realize how highly trained he is as an explosive detection canine and how we rely on his skills to keep travelers departing SFO safe and secure. I am solidly on Team Barni and hope that you will join me in voting for him in this year’s TSA Cutest Canine contest!”
Barni is a very special canine with a strong work ethic. He bursts with energy when working to detect any trace of explosives. He loves to be with his canine co-workers at the San Francisco International Airport, where he is all business. When he’s at home with his handler, Michelle, he’s free to be a goofball. He loves to play fetch but mainly is obsessed with keeping fit by chasing squirrels.
TSA utilizes canines like Barni in its security operations nationwide. They are trained to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials. These highly skilled dogs are paired with handlers and utilize their keen sense of smell when working in a busy transportation environment.
Canines are a visible layer of security, and they supplement TSA’s efforts to keep travelers safe and secure. In addition to working in aviation environment, they are also trained to work in mass transit, commuter rail and maritime venues.
“TSA currently has more than 1,000 explosives detection canine teams deployed nationwide, but Barni is clearly the cutest of the bunch,” says Lau.
Barni is paired against the other finalist in this year’s contest, Badger, a Belgian Malinois from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Both are incredible talents and deserving of this title.
Below are the direct links to TSA’s social media accounts where votes can be cast. Don’t delay, unleash your enthusiasm and vote for Barni today!
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On Instagram: www.instagram.com/tsa
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On Twitter: twitter.com/tsa
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On Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsa