Hi, my name is Troy. I am a yellow Lab, and I weigh 65 pounds. I was born in New York on Oct. 15, 2005. When I was 1, I started training to be a guide dog for the blind. To be honest with you, I found it hard to follow all of the rules they wanted me to follow. Don’t get me wrong, I love helping others. But I had dreams of helping people in a different way.

I always imagined myself being an Explosive Detection dog and was elated when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) chose me to work for them. In November 2007, I began my training. I knew within the first few days that this was the job that I wanted to do … and not to toot my own horn, but I was good at it!

The training was so much fun, but I couldn’t wait to meet my partner. After the New Year, I did a demonstration for CIA K-9 Officer Mat, who just recently lost his partner to cancer. I wanted to show him that I too could be a great partner and friend. Needless to say, I didn’t disappoint him and he was so pleased with my performance that he chose me immediately. He didn’t even look at another canine! After a few weeks, Officer Mat started his training and we were formally introduced. We immediately hit it off. I worked extra hard for him throughout the entire training course. I could tell we were going to be perfect for each other.

When we finished our training, I met Officer Mat’s family. He has two sons and a beautiful wife. They love to play with me in the backyard and take me on long walks in the neighborhood. At home, I also like stealing the boys’ soccer balls and popping them. I try to hide them in my kennel, but they always seem to find them and then they get mad at me. But I can’t stop; I love soccer balls!

I am so happy that Officer Mat chose me for this job. I will do everything I can to make Officer Mat and the employees of the CIA feel safe, no matter where they are.