DHS is honored to wish U.S. Customs and Border Protection canine Jasper a fond farewell and happy retirement.
CBP Beagle Jasper before retiring on September 29, 2016. (CBP photo)
Jasper began his service in CBP’s Beagle Brigade in 2011 when he was donated from the Columbia County Humane Society in Georgia. He attended the U.S. Department of Agriculture Canine Academy in Orlando, Florida to learn how to detect harmful plant and animal products entering the country. After graduation he was assigned to the John F. Kennedy International Airport where he has spent his entire six-year career.
Jasper had 17,167 total seizures. The most memorable of these discoveries being whale meat, a goat’s head, and rhinoceros skin to name a few. One of Jasper’s plant seizures even resulted in changing the regulation governing the importation of citrus fruit from the Dominican Republic!
He will spend his retirement with his closest human friend and colleague, CBP Agriculture K-9 Specialist Amanda Tripple, whom adopted him.
At the end of his last shift, Jasper took off his CBP vest for the final time and was afforded a treat forbidden to working dogs: his former CBP colleagues were allowed to pet him.
For serving the Department and his country with distinction, we wish Jasper many more pets and a happy retirement. Congrats Jasper!