Airport K-9 Wildlife Control Team – Keeping People and Animals Safe on the Runway!
Airport K-9 Piper and his canine handler Brian Edwards join Marcie and Lovey to talk about their important job as a K-9 Wildlife Control Team at the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan. Brian shares how he trained border collie Piper for his rewarding job--keeping people and animals safe on the runway. Piper has become quite the K-9 celebrity on Facebook and Instagram, and has been featured on the CBS Evening News! You’ll understand why Piper’s getting so much attention when you hear Brian talk about their unique work and human-animal bond.
BIO:
Hi, my name is Brian Edwards and I’m the lesser half of the TVC K-9 Team :). On behalf of K-9 Piper, I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support. We’ve been at it a little over a year now and I never in my wildest dreams would have thought this crazy idea would take us where it has. Most importantly, thank you to those that have donated and may donate in the future. I want everyone to know how much we appreciate your generosity!
I Grew up in Michigan, Business and Air Traffic Control degrees, worked at the airport since 2008. Obviously have passion for aviation, photography and dogs. I like eggs & hash browns. Border Collies have been used since around 98-99 at airports, Fort Meyers was first, so this isn't a new idea. I got Piper a couple years ago and just put 2 and 2 together. Piper is tasked with protecting arriving and departing aircraft while on duty by chasing away birds and other wildlife from the runways and taxiways. He also detects holes under our perimeter fence, leaves his scent everywhere and detects the prey of birds of prey. He's also our Chief Morale Officer.
Photos courtesy of airportk9.org