ORLANDO, Fla. — An explosives detection dog at Orlando International Airport is competing for the title of TSA’s “Cutest Canine.”
Ember, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever, received the most votes among Transportation Security Administration employees in the Southeast, earning her a spot in the contest’s Final Four.
She faced Epic, a Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport, in the semifinal round.
Ember works alongside TSA explosives detection canine handler Oscar Urdininea to help protect travelers at Orlando International Airport.
“Ember has high drive and is a very friendly dog that truly enjoys coming to work and searching all areas in and around the airport,” Urdininea said.
When she is not working, Ember enjoys playing with retired TSA canine Bona, eating steak chunks and playing with her squeaky bone.
TSA uses specially trained canine teams to detect explosives and explosive materials at airports and other transportation facilities nationwide.
The agency plans to announce the contest winner Aug. 26, which is National Dog Day.
Editorial note: Ember’s semifinal voting window ended at noon Wednesday. TSA’s release says the final round begins at noon if she advances, but her semifinal result should be confirmed before publishing a current voting call to action.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.