ARLINGTON, Va. — It's time to raise the woof for Messi, an 8-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever. The four-legged Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worker is officially retiring.
Messi had his last run as a TSA passenger screening canine at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday, and will be trading in his work vest for afternoons on the couch. He claimed recognition last year when he was featured in the free annual downloadable TSA canine calendar. Messi was featured as the dog of the month for February.
TSA says he enjoys watching airplanes and playing in the grass at nearby Gravelly Point. "Messi is a lovable and hard-working dog who has enjoyed playing with a tennis ball after a busy day sniffing for any traces of explosives at the airport. Now he doesn’t have to wait to play with his favorite toy."
After he finished his last morning of work, Messi, joined by several canine handlers, celebrated his retirement at a surprise party. A training aid was hidden in a large room and Messi, with his handler Peter, searched the room. When Messi hit on the device he was showered with tennis balls tossed his way by the other handlers -- sparking excitement on his last day.
Peter has removed Messi's “Do Not Pet” patch from his harness, officially signaling that the dog was no longer a working canine and could be petted. TSA says there were no shortage of guests who were eager to pet the newly retired dog.
Messi is being adopted by Peter in his retirement so the pair will continue to stay together. As for Peter, he is shifting gears from being a canine handler to a canine trainer.
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