Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - Every dog has their day, and Thursday belonged to Alona, the winner of this year’s TSA Cutest Canine Contest!
Over 131,000 votes were tallied from the Transportation Security Administration’s social media platforms. Alona, an Explosives Detection Canine out of McCarran International Airport, was the best in show.
Born in the country of Colombia, 4-year-old Alona is a golden retriever with a special story. Her full name is Nirvana-Alona. The first part of her name, Nirvana, was given to her at birth from her breeder in Colombia. The second part of her name pays honor and respect to one of the victims of 9/11.
Alona Abraham was an Israeli woman visiting her family in the U.S. and a passenger on Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles on that morning.
Here are more tidbits about this tail-wagging canine:
- TSA K9 Alona is bilingual! She knows commands in both English and Spanish.
- Her favorite toy is a red rubber ball, which came with her from Colombia. - - Alona loves listening to pop music and playing fetch in wide open parks when she’s not on duty.
- Despite her layers of fur, Alona doesn’t mind the Las Vegas heat. She wears booties to protect her paws from the hot pavement and enjoys all the sights and smells Las Vegas has to offer.