Detector Dog Major
| Name | Major |
|---|---|
| Breed | Labrador Retriever |
| Birth Date | July 2016 |
| Weight | 78 lbs. |
| Handler | Simone Ackermann |
| County | Contra Costa |
| Favorite Treats | Freeze-dried minnows (best ever!!) |
| Favorite Chew | Beef knee caps & cow ears to keep his pearly whites pretty |
| Favorite Place | The beach |
| Favorite Toys | A big red Kong |
Major, a 78 lb Labrador Retriever, was born in July 2016 and was adopted by USDA from the Humane Society in Elmore County, Alabama in July 2017. He completed agriculture detector dog training at the National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia in December 2017 and was subsequently transferred to Contra Costa County's dog team detecting packages at parcel delivery facilities. Major has been a dedicated worker for the past six years now and has intercepted countless shipments containing unwanted pests hitchhiking on fruits and plants.
Major is a gentle and playful soul. He is a faithful worker, but also loves his playtime and enjoys sunbathing pool-side when the day's work is done. He is thinking about getting a life-guard gig at the pool when he retires in a couple of years.
Meet the Yolo County agricultural department's new detector dog
Ashley Sharp reports for CBS News Sacramento (2:48)