Handler: Marc Palomino
Breed: Labrador
DOB: 4/14/2013
Department: U.S. Marshals Service
Function: Explosive Detection
Years Worked: 6/2015 – 7/2021
Almond began her training as a Guide Dog at Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB). At 23 months old, her drive to work in law enforcement was evident and entered the ATF Explosive Detection Canine Program. During this time Almond learned to detect over 19,000 different types of explosives and firearms. On August 6, 2015, Almond completed her training and became an Explosive Detection K-9 for the United States Marshals Service. Through-out her career, Almond supported the missions of the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, and numerous state and local law enforcement agencies. Her duties included protection of dignitaries, search crime scenes for evidence, search warrants, and sweeping public areas for explosives. Almond finished her career in July of 2021 with hundreds of finds to include guns, casings, ammunition, fireworks, and other explosive materials. Since retirement, Almond has been enjoying laying around the house, swimming, and playing with her brother and sister.
Update 2024: K9 Almond is now 11 years old! She still loves to go on walks with her brother and sister every morning and afternoon. During the day she enjoys laying out by the pool and sunbathing. She is in pretty good overall health. She is taking medication to control elevated liver enzymes, but the medicine has shown to be effective. K9 Almond has a growth on her hind leg that she will have removed soon. K9 Almond appreciates the support from MARK-9 and all of its donors!
Update 2025: K9 Almond recently celebrated her 12th birthday! Earlier this year, she underwent surgery to remove a skin cancer, but it was successful, and she’s now in great health and high spirits. Almond still enjoys her daily walks and playing around the house with her brother and sister pups. Her days of searching for explosives are long behind her—now she’s more interested in hunting for food and her favorite dog bed. Almond is truly enjoying retirement to the fullest!
Almond is a rock star for the USMS. I had the pleasure to work with Almond and her handler at several incidents in Fort Lauderdale.