This is K-9 Piper. He is the resident wildlife controller at Michigan’s Cherry Capital Airport, and he’s pretty much the coolest dog you’ll ever meet.
His job is to chase wildlife (mainly birds) off the airport runways and taxiways. His work is so important that he actually has his own website. The website states, “The Federal Aviation Administration requires the Cherry Capital Airport have a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in place to mitigate wildlife hazards to aviation.” The reason is that this particular airport is dangerously close to natural wildlife habitats.
While using a dog for this purpose is relatively uncommon, it’s working surprisingly well so far, and because Piper’s so dynamic in photos, he’s also garnering a significant amount of public attention.
Majestic
This may also be because his handler and owner, Brian Edwards, takes absolutely stunning photos of him.
Windblown
The safety goggles are the most important part of his uniform. They protect his eyes from dust kicked up by helicopters.
Wing dog
Aside from patrolling the grounds, he is an indispensable wing pup to the airport staff.
Top pup
Can we just take a moment and bask in the sheer awesomeness of this dog? Man!
Serious business
No matter the weather, Piper is out there keeping those birds in check.
Hunting waterfowl
As a border collie, it’s in Piper’s nature to root out those pesky featherbrains wherever they’re hiding.
Through rain and snow
He was socialized around aircraft noise, so it doesn’t faze him, but he still wears protective earmuffs.
Goodbye, friend
Needless to say, everyone loves him. Here he’s saying farewell to an employee of 10 years.
The lover
Like most dogs, he has a soft spot for the ladies, and vice versa.
Best friend
A note on the cast — Piper’s leg was injured while chasing his favorite bird, the snowy owl, but it is on the mend.
Serious badass
Piper works four 10-hour shifts a week along with his handler. This pup’s no slouch!
Chicken
That plane’s going to lose this game of chicken, no question.
America
Who’s for making Piper America’s new mascot? Everyone? Good, I’ll make a call to the White House.
Leave a Comment