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Home / World

Lulu the dog flunked out of CIA bomb-sniffer school because she just didn't care

Washington Post
19 Oct, 2017 11:33 PM3 mins to read

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Lulu the black lab flunked puppy training at the CIA - a story that unfolded on their Twitter account.
Lulu the black lab flunked puppy training at the CIA - a story that unfolded on their Twitter account.

Lulu the black lab flunked puppy training at the CIA - a story that unfolded on their Twitter account.

Terrorists might be heading to United States airports with explosives-packed suitcases right now. Violent extremists could be fashioning pipe bombs in their basements. Thousands of US security officials spend their days and nights preoccupied with detecting and preventing such threats.

But you know who doesn't care? Lulu the black Lab doesn't care.

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

Until recently, the young pup was training to be an explosive detection K-9 for the CIA. It's an important and noble job, one the agency refers to as no less than "the first line of defense against explosive threats to agency personnel and buildings at Headquarters and abroad."

But Lulu, the CIA announced on Wednesday in a series of tweets, was really not into it.

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#CIAK9 Pupdate:
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

— 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.

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

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

Training also involved extra treats, pats and fun, the agency noted, because sometimes even aspiring hero dogs need additional motivation.

Still, Lulu seemed to know she wasn't living her best life. The agency, to its credit, honoured her wish to be true to herself.

Our trainers’ top concern is physical & mental well-being of K9s.
They made difficult decision & did what’s best for Lulu: stop her training pic.twitter.com/Ss9y9LpE9q

— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017

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

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.

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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

She's still a very good dog.

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