Heroic Argo the Dog Takes Center Stage in TSA’s 2025 Canine Calendar, Sniffing Out Explosives to Safeguard Travelers

A 9-year-old black Labrador retriever, known as Argo, is preparing for a busy holiday travel season at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Argo’s role as a transportation security specialist’s partner involves detecting potential explosives among travelers.

At the airport, Argo is always on alert. When he scents something unusual, he promptly alerts his handler, Jonathan Lilly. Lilly expressed amazement at Argo’s abilities, stating, “It never ceases to amaze me what he can do.” Recently, the duo participated in a demonstration showcasing Argo’s skills amidst holiday travel crowds.

Argo’s keen sense of smell allows him to identify even the faintest traces of explosives. During a training exercise, he responded swiftly to a decoy scenario involving a person carrying a suspiciously scented backpack. His immediate reaction—a focused sniffing and a wagging tail—resulted in a reward of his favorite tennis ball on a string once he indicated the target.

As the pair celebrates each successful outing with a playful game of tug-of-war, it’s evident that their bond is strong. They have been working together for seven years, and Lilly plans to adopt Argo once he retires, though that day is not anticipated anytime soon.

Despite being nine, Argo retains a youthful spirit, eager to perform his duties. The duo is part of a select group of TSA dogs involved in airport security, trained to detect the distinctive scents left in the air by people.

Trained at the National TSA Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Argo and Lilly underwent a 16-week program before being assigned to BWI. Regular training ensures that Argo remains at his best, as Lilly emphasized the need for ongoing skill development. “It’s a perishable skill,” he noted.

The presence of these explosive detection dogs serves not only to identify potential threats but also to deter them, contributing to the overall safety of air travel. After a day of work, Argo enjoys downtime, often found napping at home, where he leads a laid-back life on a strict, health-conscious diet.