Paw-fection! Shannon Airport celebrates detector dog Brody ahead of International Dog Day

Ever wonder who's working behind the scenes to keep Ireland’s airports safe without ever saying a word? In the lead up to International Dog Day on August 26, Shannon Airport is unleashing praise for one of its most dedicated - and adorable - working partners.

Meet Brody, a two-year-old springer spaniel crossed with cocker spaniel, one of Revenue’s canine crimefighters. Based at Shannon Airport, he is a key member of Ireland’s team of 26 detector dogs who were instrumental in the seizure of drugs, tobacco products and cash worth over €100 million in 2024.

Brody might look like your average pup, however he’s anything but! His nose is up to 10,000 times more sensitive than a human. Along with this, his passive response training means he alerts his handler, Wendy, by calmly sitting and staring when he detects the suspicious scents of controlled or contraband substances including cocaine, hash, amphetamines, heroin and cash. 

Before starting a search, Brody begins with a 'free run' of the area to get familiar with the environment. Once he’s ready, he heads back to Wendy to signal that it’s time for the focused, methodical inspection that he is trained for.

“Brody can screen a person, a bag or even an entire area in minutes,” said Alan Foley, National Detector Dog Programme Manager at Revenue. “This allows us to keep legitimate travel moving while swiftly identifying those who shouldn’t slip through.”

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With his puppy playfulness and gentle nature, Brody proves every day that fighting crime doesn’t have to be intimidating. Spaniels like him are selected not only for their natural gundog instincts but also their friendliness, a combination that’s perfect for both detection and public interaction. 

Brody’s training to become a top-tier member of the Revenue team started with a simple ball. That ball became the reward for identifying target scents, helping shape his instincts through focused training followed by eight weeks of bonding and honing his skills with the assistance of his handler, Wendy.

The relationship between Brody and Wendy makes for a unique partnership. Not only do they work side by side at Shannon Airport but they also live together. It’s not all work for Brody. At home he’s full of energy and loves playtime, especially with Harley—his retired predecessor, who now enjoys a life of leisure. Like all of us, he also needs structured breaks during his shifts, regular check-ups and ongoing training and upskilling to keep him healthy and motivated.

Brody also likes to receive praise and play for a job well done. “There’s this wonderful moment,” says Alan Foley, “when Brody finds something—he struts, sometimes does a little lap of honour, spiralling back to his handler and of course he gets extended play time with his beloved ball. It’s his doggie version of the ‘high five’.”

From detection to downtime, Brody’s journey is one of devotion, skill and a whole lot of heart. As he walks through Shannon Airport, tail in the air, not only does he do an excellent detection job but he also brings a smile to the faces of passengers and staff alike.

So this International Dog Day, Shannon Airport takes a moment - and tosses a ball - for Brody, a four-legged, hardworking hero.