Monday, June 30, 2008

Radar – The Airport Bird Dog - Retires

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Radar, the official bird dog at Southwest Florida International Airport, is retiring after a successful, 7-year career. The 9-year-old border collie joined the airport in June 2001, after the first bird dog retired. In 1999, Southwest Florida International Airport became the first commercial airport in the nation to use a dog as part of its Wildlife Management Program. “This program is very important - it keeps our travelers, birds, and aircraft safe by reducing the number of birds on the airfield in an environmentally friendly manner,” said Robert M. Ball, A.A.E., executive director of the Lee County Port Authority.
Radar was napping and not available for comment, however airport personnel speaking on her behalf said they are confident the dog will enjoy her retirement as much as she did her busy career. All the best Radar......