TSA's Cutest Canine Retires After 10 Years At MSP Airport

ST. PAUL, MN — The Transportation Security Administration's cutest canine has a life of leisurely walks and long naps in his future after retiring last week.

Eebbers, an 11-year-old Vizsla-Labrador mix, spent almost a decade screening travelers for explosives at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. In August, he beat out three other finalists in TSA’s 2022 Cutest Canine Contest and celebrated his retirement just a few days later with plenty of fanfare, including a bomb-shaped cake and lots of toys.

Named in memory of 19-year-old U.S. Army Pvt. James Ebbers, who died 20 years ago in Dijbuoti, Eebbers is the final remaining canine born into TSA’s Puppy Program at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio to work daily for the federal agency.

"I want him to enjoy his last few years just being a dog," Eebbers’ handler, Jean Carney, told the Star Tribune, noting that the typical canine retirement age is around 7 or 8. Carney is also retiring.

In addition to being voted cutest canine in TSA’s nationwide social media contest, Eebbers has assisted with security for two Super Bowls, the Special Olympics World Games, an NCAA National Championship Football game, the Indianapolis 500 and a NASCAR event.

On Aug. 31, the day Eebbers retired, his colleagues took off a work harness that read “Do Not Pet” and outfitted him with a collar and leash instead, the Tribune reported.

When he’s not at work, Eebbers enjoys swimming in any of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, a hobby he plans to continue in retirement, according to the Tribune, which reported his first day off the job would include a swim and a walk with his sister Etti, a retired FBI canine.

And if you haven't seen enough of Eebbers, don't worry. TSA will announce the availability of its 2023 canine calendar later this year, featuring the top 12 runners-up in the 2022 contest. Eebers will be featured on the cover.