New Working Dogs Ruff It On Governors Island: See Photos

NEW YORK CITY — Governor Island is getting two new dogs before it goes to the birds.

A pair of pups — Atlas and Reed — joined the island's working dog team tasked with chasing geese away, announced Trust for Governors officials.

Atlas, a 2-year-old blue merle border collie, and Reed, a 5-month-old border collie, were paw-sitively excited for their jobs, officials said.

"Ruff, ruff, ruff, ruff!" they barked in a joint statement provided by the Trust for Governors Island.

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The 172-acre public island in New York Harbor has become an increasing popular easy getaway-for-a-day among city dwellers in recent years, especially now that it's open year-round and round-trip ferry tickets cost $4.

But a nuisance could nag (and honk) at a visiting New Yorkers: geese.

Island caretakers have employed dogs to chase off geese before they befoul public areas, officials said.

Atlas has already started startling geese alongside the island's two veteran dogs, Chip and Aspen, officials said. Reed will start on his first birthday, after months of getting used to riding the ferry, training and "going on adventures," a release states.

"Our beautiful lawns and public spaces would not be in the amazing condition they are today without the efforts of our working dogs," said Clare Newman, President & CEO of the Trust for Governors Island.

"Atlas and Reed are welcome additions to the team, and we look forward to watching all four members of our working dog team bound around our campus, keeping us free of geese and allowing our visitors to enjoy our pristine green spaces."