"Airport K-9 Piper is off-duty."
January 7, 2018 3:20 PM Subscribe
On the last day of his nine-year life, Piper, the border collie, chased a snowy owl from the runway at the airport in Traverse City, Mich. It was the 8,367th bird he had scared off in a three-year career as the airport’s K-9 wildlife control officer — which turned him into one of the nation’s most famous dogs (previously).
He was a very good boy.
posted by East14thTaco at 3:34 PM on January 7, 2018 [7 favorites]
posted by East14thTaco at 3:34 PM on January 7, 2018 [7 favorites]
He had a good life.
posted by shoesietart at 3:50 PM on January 7, 2018
posted by shoesietart at 3:50 PM on January 7, 2018
I got to interact with Piper on several occasions. Dude was unflappable. Also very polite, gracious, and humble. He even gave me one of his trading cards.
posted by Hey Dean Yeager! at 3:51 PM on January 7, 2018 [29 favorites]
posted by Hey Dean Yeager! at 3:51 PM on January 7, 2018 [29 favorites]
Dogs are just the best. What a GOOD BOY!
posted by Windopaene at 4:02 PM on January 7, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Windopaene at 4:02 PM on January 7, 2018 [2 favorites]
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posted by limeonaire at 4:04 PM on January 7, 2018
posted by limeonaire at 4:04 PM on January 7, 2018
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Dogs with jobs are happy dogs. Doubly so for dog like a border collie that's bred to work all every day. I cannot imagine a better, more enjoyable job for a dog than chasing birds all day.
posted by VTX at 4:12 PM on January 7, 2018 [24 favorites]
Dogs with jobs are happy dogs. Doubly so for dog like a border collie that's bred to work all every day. I cannot imagine a better, more enjoyable job for a dog than chasing birds all day.
posted by VTX at 4:12 PM on January 7, 2018 [24 favorites]
If there is an airport somewhere that needs a dog to bark uselessly at squirrels, I have a volunteer.
. for Piper.
posted by moonmilk at 4:14 PM on January 7, 2018 [10 favorites]
. for Piper.
posted by moonmilk at 4:14 PM on January 7, 2018 [10 favorites]
I've been on dog Instagram for a little over two years and in quick succession I've just had a couple dogs our dog's account has followed die and it's been rough. Loving my dog means worrying about him dying every day, but seeing dogs who have been inspiring--the way Piper was!--to so many has been particularly moving.
Our dog was bred for many generations as a companion dog so he's mostly good at being affectionate and having separation anxiety, so actual working dogs like Piper seem so cool to me.
posted by rustcellar at 4:14 PM on January 7, 2018 [5 favorites]
Our dog was bred for many generations as a companion dog so he's mostly good at being affectionate and having separation anxiety, so actual working dogs like Piper seem so cool to me.
posted by rustcellar at 4:14 PM on January 7, 2018 [5 favorites]
A very good boy. I wonder how they ended up with such a precise bird scare count?
posted by stinkfoot at 4:19 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by stinkfoot at 4:19 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
Piper was also the name of my grandparents’ black lab they had when I was little who cemented a decade-long fear of dogs in me, because he was as big as I was and smelled and was slobbery, so I liked seeing Piper the Airport K9’s profile many years later as a newly minted dog lover and looking back and imagining how important having him around must have been to my late grandparents even though I couldn’t appreciate it at the time.
posted by rustcellar at 4:22 PM on January 7, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by rustcellar at 4:22 PM on January 7, 2018 [3 favorites]
Our dog--the second we have had of this breed--is a working dog so we have to make sure he has enough exercise and mental stimulation every day. This is fine for us as we have the kind of schedules that allow for it, but there are all kinds of stories of people who get these dogs because they're cute and smart (they are both) but then are not prepared for the reality. In fact that is how we ended up with this dog--his original family could not devote the time necessary to him and were wise enough to realize it while he was still a puppy. Our dog would looooove to have Piper's job, I am sure!
Whenever I read stories of animals passing away it makes me sad for the pets I've had who died or had to be put to sleep, and anxious for our current pet, because even though he's young, I know one day he'll be old, and I will have to say goodbye to him before I am ready (I never would be anyway). Why do we do this to ourselves?? Well, the joy they bring us, of course. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up while reading this part, since I can relate to it all too well:
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:25 PM on January 7, 2018 [12 favorites]
Whenever I read stories of animals passing away it makes me sad for the pets I've had who died or had to be put to sleep, and anxious for our current pet, because even though he's young, I know one day he'll be old, and I will have to say goodbye to him before I am ready (I never would be anyway). Why do we do this to ourselves?? Well, the joy they bring us, of course. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up while reading this part, since I can relate to it all too well:
As his tumor swelled in recent weeks, Piper began having trouble urinating, Edwards said. “Things were fine until New Year’s Eve, and then the tumor had grown too large, and he just couldn’t go anymore,” Edwards said, choking up.Good dog, Piper.
On Tuesday, his veterinarian drained the dog’s bladder with a catheter and said it might make him comfortable for a few days. It didn’t last, though, and Edwards said he and the dog left their shift on Wednesday morning to have it drained again. They returned to the airport that afternoon so Piper could “say goodbye to all his fellow co-workers.”
Piper died in his arms that night, at the house “we purchased together,” Edwards said. He draped a U.S. flag — flown that day at the Coast Guard air station at the airport — over the dog’s body, shared a photo on Instagram and asked for “patience as I take time to tend to my shattered heart.”
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:25 PM on January 7, 2018 [12 favorites]
I love working dogs and I hope to be in a position someday where I can responsibly own one. If I get my dream cabin in the mountains, I'll get a Karelian Bear Dog for protection.
RIP Piper.
posted by AFABulous at 4:40 PM on January 7, 2018
RIP Piper.
posted by AFABulous at 4:40 PM on January 7, 2018
Good dog.
(I love the idea of leaving this, instead of just a period)
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:44 PM on January 7, 2018
(I love the idea of leaving this, instead of just a period)
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:44 PM on January 7, 2018
Piper got the second 15/10 from WeRateDogs.
posted by gladly at 4:45 PM on January 7, 2018 [20 favorites]
posted by gladly at 4:45 PM on January 7, 2018 [20 favorites]
What a very, very good boy. ❤️
posted by Salamander at 5:07 PM on January 7, 2018
posted by Salamander at 5:07 PM on January 7, 2018
(Sniff)
Piper was a very good boy.
I ended up with a story about an abandoned dog the rescue org named Dennis--who could not be saved--on my tumblr dash the other day, and it was utterly fucking devastating.
posted by maxwelton at 6:26 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
Piper was a very good boy.
I ended up with a story about an abandoned dog the rescue org named Dennis--who could not be saved--on my tumblr dash the other day, and it was utterly fucking devastating.
posted by maxwelton at 6:26 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
🐶
posted by idiopath at 6:45 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by idiopath at 6:45 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
Piper was a good dog.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 7:10 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 7:10 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
12/10.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:14 PM on January 7, 2018
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:14 PM on January 7, 2018
THE GOODEST BOY
posted by poffin boffin at 7:15 PM on January 7, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 7:15 PM on January 7, 2018 [6 favorites]
Back when I was at an audio company, our corporate headquarters was situated in the migratory patterns of several large water fowl. At 'The Mountain', where the bulk of the buildings were, there were a ton. Now for two reasons, one, the headquarters is a huge glass building, and the second - there is a lot of expensive instrumentation that the acidic nature of goose poop corroded - they got a dog trained in removing the birds.
Now, I'm not saying the dog failed his training, but on the first day - he didn't flush the birds and send them squawking away like people expected. No, apparently he caught and killed them right outside the cafeteria window.
The dog was retrained for several more months before he was put back to service. To my knowledge, he is now very good at flushing fowl and not killing them.
posted by Nanukthedog at 7:42 PM on January 7, 2018 [11 favorites]
Now, I'm not saying the dog failed his training, but on the first day - he didn't flush the birds and send them squawking away like people expected. No, apparently he caught and killed them right outside the cafeteria window.
The dog was retrained for several more months before he was put back to service. To my knowledge, he is now very good at flushing fowl and not killing them.
posted by Nanukthedog at 7:42 PM on January 7, 2018 [11 favorites]
It's been a rough winter for internet dogs. Chubbs, The Bumblesnot, Piper. Pet loss is the worst.
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posted by fluffy battle kitten at 8:47 PM on January 7, 2018 [3 favorites]
.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 8:47 PM on January 7, 2018 [3 favorites]
there is a lot of expensive instrumentation that the acidic nature of goose shit corroded
Surely the geese weren't flying into the buildings and shitting on the equipment?
posted by thelonius at 9:06 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
Surely the geese weren't flying into the buildings and shitting on the equipment?
posted by thelonius at 9:06 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]
.
posted by Joey Michaels at 9:06 PM on January 7, 2018
posted by Joey Michaels at 9:06 PM on January 7, 2018
.
My border collie, Bandit, absolutely revels I’m keeping our back yard free of birds, squirrels and rabbits. I can only imagine the joy he would have with a job like Piper’s.
Alas, he is almost 14 years old; he doesn’t see the intruders as clearly, is several steps slower, and can’t sustain the energy that he used to but, by God, he still loves the chase.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 9:37 PM on January 7, 2018 [14 favorites]
My border collie, Bandit, absolutely revels I’m keeping our back yard free of birds, squirrels and rabbits. I can only imagine the joy he would have with a job like Piper’s.
Alas, he is almost 14 years old; he doesn’t see the intruders as clearly, is several steps slower, and can’t sustain the energy that he used to but, by God, he still loves the chase.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 9:37 PM on January 7, 2018 [14 favorites]
Also, oddly enough, on another site I frequent, one of the users also has an border collie (which, I will admit, until tonight I thought was an Australian dog) who is terrifyingly photogenic and has the same goggles, but for sun, as he is blue eyed and they spend a fair time at the beach.
posted by Samizdata at 1:05 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Samizdata at 1:05 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
Doggles, surely.
posted by maxwelton at 2:00 AM on January 8, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by maxwelton at 2:00 AM on January 8, 2018 [6 favorites]
We have a Border Collie who would absolutely love this job... he loves chasing and catching but has no interest in killing, and currently keeps the cats exercised in the house and the garden free from foxes.
He would also like to keep Epsom Downs free from race horses, but I am told that is a no-no.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 2:38 AM on January 8, 2018 [3 favorites]
He would also like to keep Epsom Downs free from race horses, but I am told that is a no-no.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 2:38 AM on January 8, 2018 [3 favorites]
Our cats Nancy and Rocky are both over 10 years old at this point, not exactly sure how old either of them are. But they're getting to the age where I know they aren't going to be with us necessarily that much longer. We try to give them a good life and they seem to be happy and healthy, and that's the most anyone can ask for their pets.
Thanks for posting this. I'm sitting here crying but it's okay. It's a good cry, and sometimes we need that kind of thing. He was a good boy.
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posted by hippybear at 4:18 AM on January 8, 2018 [6 favorites]
Thanks for posting this. I'm sitting here crying but it's okay. It's a good cry, and sometimes we need that kind of thing. He was a good boy.
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posted by hippybear at 4:18 AM on January 8, 2018 [6 favorites]
.
posted by Halloween Jack at 4:53 AM on January 8, 2018
posted by Halloween Jack at 4:53 AM on January 8, 2018
.
posted by RhysPenbras at 6:11 AM on January 8, 2018
posted by RhysPenbras at 6:11 AM on January 8, 2018
Doggles, surely.
posted by maxwelton
Well, since you asked? No! Piper wore Rex Specs, which are the preferred goggles for working dogs. Here's a great pic of my friend Barnabas, all kitted out in his Rex Specs and hearing protectors for a practice ride in a helicopter. Barnabas is a bloodhound who works for the police; he finds people (alive or dead).
Doggles are another type of goggle, an older style that impair the dogs' vision a bit. I tried to get my pupperina to wear Doggles and she was having none of it, but she's a bit of a nudist. Rex Specs just came out with a smaller size that might fit her. When I have some spare dosh I'll order a pair to try. Why does she need goggles? Well...
I followed Piper and was greatly saddened to hear of his loss. There is another Border Collie, Bailey Haggarty, whose title is Assistant Director of Seagulls. You should check him out.
posted by workerant at 7:59 AM on January 8, 2018 [14 favorites]
posted by maxwelton
Well, since you asked? No! Piper wore Rex Specs, which are the preferred goggles for working dogs. Here's a great pic of my friend Barnabas, all kitted out in his Rex Specs and hearing protectors for a practice ride in a helicopter. Barnabas is a bloodhound who works for the police; he finds people (alive or dead).
Doggles are another type of goggle, an older style that impair the dogs' vision a bit. I tried to get my pupperina to wear Doggles and she was having none of it, but she's a bit of a nudist. Rex Specs just came out with a smaller size that might fit her. When I have some spare dosh I'll order a pair to try. Why does she need goggles? Well...
I followed Piper and was greatly saddened to hear of his loss. There is another Border Collie, Bailey Haggarty, whose title is Assistant Director of Seagulls. You should check him out.
posted by workerant at 7:59 AM on January 8, 2018 [14 favorites]
.
Damnit I’m not crying. *sobbing openly*
posted by Gadgetenvy at 9:34 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
Damnit I’m not crying. *sobbing openly*
posted by Gadgetenvy at 9:34 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
. for Piper and all of our good boyes and girls
posted by cass at 9:50 AM on January 8, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by cass at 9:50 AM on January 8, 2018 [2 favorites]
They are all good dogs and we are the gooder for it
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posted by Malingering Hector at 10:24 AM on January 8, 2018 [4 favorites]
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posted by Malingering Hector at 10:24 AM on January 8, 2018 [4 favorites]
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For Piper -- the goodest dog. May he be remembered with honour.
posted by Jade Dragon at 11:21 AM on January 8, 2018
For Piper -- the goodest dog. May he be remembered with honour.
posted by Jade Dragon at 11:21 AM on January 8, 2018
I lost my best buddy The Baron on Wednesday after 15 years of loyal service taking things off of counter tops and pooping in the hall way.
I can't imagine how much harder it would be if work weren't a welcome relief from the distinct lack of him at home and instead another place where I keep expecting to see him. Piper was a Good Boy and I hope his human companion finds some peace.
posted by Saminal at 1:06 PM on January 8, 2018 [18 favorites]
I can't imagine how much harder it would be if work weren't a welcome relief from the distinct lack of him at home and instead another place where I keep expecting to see him. Piper was a Good Boy and I hope his human companion finds some peace.
posted by Saminal at 1:06 PM on January 8, 2018 [18 favorites]
I'm so sorry, Saminal.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 6:06 PM on January 8, 2018
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 6:06 PM on January 8, 2018
Hugs, Saminal.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 7:33 PM on January 8, 2018
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 7:33 PM on January 8, 2018
So sorry, Saminal.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 2:40 AM on January 9, 2018
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 2:40 AM on January 9, 2018
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