The Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) is happy to introduce its newest addition to the team, Ares (Air-eez), a two-year-old golden labrador mix who works for treats and spends his breaks with a squeaky ball.
Donned with an official AWM inspection badge and vest, Ares began his canine training at the Pacific Coast K9 training facility in Custer, Wash., and was later selected by the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, GA, to continue his training in agriculture and pest detection with his new handler, San Bernardino County Agricultural Standards Officer Christian Calvillo.
AWM’s dog team is primarily tasked with detecting and inspecting unmarked agricultural packages arriving at parcel delivery facilities in San Bernardino County, including FedEx, UPS, USPS and similar carriers.
The undeclared packages may contain prohibited plants, disease or insect species that may violate California’s plant quarantine laws. The canine team is an integral part of the department’s Pest Prevention Program.
Ares earned the affectionate nickname “gentle giant” from his trainer in Georgia due to his easy-going nature. He quickly bonded with his new handler, and after 13 weeks of training together at the facility, Christian and Ares returned to San Bernardino and reported for duty in May 2024.
If you happen to see Ares and Christian at work, feel free to stop and say hello. But be careful, if Ares sniffs out any treats, he may become your best furry friend.
Ares Fun Facts
- Breed: Labrador mix
- Birthdate: April 13, 2022
- Weight: 76 lbs.
- Handler: Agricultural Standards Officer Christian Calvillo
- Favorite Toy: Squeaky ball & Nyla bone
- Favorite Treats: Freeze-dried chicken & bone marrow treats