We’ll miss Lulu, but it was right decision for her & we wish her all the best in her new life!https://t.co/nPZl6YWNKb pic.twitter.com/Mbcr9C7wUY
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
But Lulu, the CIA announced Wednesday in a series of tweets, was really not into it.
We’re sad to announce that a few weeks into training, Lulu began to show signs that she wasn’t interested in detecting explosive odors. pic.twitter.com/c6lxHPfC09
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Can’t we all relate? Sure, Lulu’s assignment was a matter of life and death. But becoming a canine Carrie Mathison involved more mundane study, like peering into metal canisters and exploring concrete blocks.
#CIAK9 Pupdate:
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Sometimes, even after testing, our pups make it clear being an explosive detection K9 isn’t for themhttps://t.co/nPZl6YWNKb pic.twitter.com/07TXRCH7bp
All dogs, like humans, have good & bad days when learning something new.
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Same for our pups, though it usually lasts just a day or two. pic.twitter.com/z9lQa2uKX4
Training also involved extra treats, pats and fun, the agency noted, because sometimes even aspiring hero dogs need additional motivation.
There are a million reasons why a dog has a bad day & our trainers must become doggy psychologists to figure out what will help pups. pic.twitter.com/iaeRpGiSUR
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Sometimes a pup is bored & needs extra playtime, sometimes they need a little break, or it’s a minor medical condition like a food allergy. pic.twitter.com/pPaBPohhqB
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Still, Lulu seemed to know she wasn’t living her best life. The agency, to its credit, honored her wish to be true to herself.
Lulu wasn’t interested in searching for explosives.
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Even when motivated w food & play, she was clearly no longer enjoying herself. pic.twitter.com/puvhDk1tRX
Our trainers’ top concern is physical & mental well-being of K9s.
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
They made difficult decision & did what’s best for Lulu: stop her training pic.twitter.com/Ss9y9LpE9q
Perhaps she knew something the other puppies in her class did not — that flunking out might bring its own rewards. Lulu, it appears, is now supporting the CIA from the soft, carpeted sidelines of a living room.
She’s still a very good dog.
Lulu was adopted by her handler & now enjoys her days playing w his kids & a new friend, & sniffing out rabbits & squirrels in the backyard. pic.twitter.com/WOImM75P1D
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
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