In late 2017, Great Big Story highlighted the wonderful work of Piper, the K-9 super-dog keeping the runways safe at Cherry Capital Airport in Michigan. Sadly, Piper passed away soon after. We decided it was about time to remember one of the coolest dogs we’ve ever seen.
In Traverse City, Michigan, you never know what might impede the runway. From birds such as ducks, owls and geese, to foxes and other animals, the wildlife in the area can impair the safety of planes both in the air and on the ground. Small animals might only make dents in the planes, but encountering large groups of birds can cause major engine failures. Up stepped the border collie Piper, who spent his life clearing the way at Cherry Capital Airport, as their official Wildlife Control Dog.
And boy was he mighty cool while he was at it. With goggles, ear muffs and a harness (as well as special shoes when Michigan’s cold weather demands), Piper certainly looked the part as he hared across the tarmac.
His owner, Brian Edwards, got Piper around 2012. As a youngster, he was always running around and doing obstacle racing during his early years, and Edwards, who worked as an operations adviser at the airport and knew others employed dogs to clear the animals, decided to see if Piper would be a good fit for Cherry Capital.
“Border Collies are born for this type of work, they’re herders,” he said. “I thought, He has the aptitude to do this.”
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Training took between a year and a year and a half, and when fully qualified Piper became one of the few dogs working in wildlife control at an airport in the United States. America’s first working aviation dog was in Fort Myers back in 1999.
By the end of Piper’s training, he and Edwards were on the exact same page. When he was called into action, Edwards would open the back door of an often moving car and Piper would leap out and go at the birds. The idea was that even if they were not caught and a plane not an immediate danger, Piper’s relentless chasing would mean the birds would eventually learn not to come back.
Of watching Piper in action, Edwards said: “There is no greater fulfillment or enjoyment in my life.” It was an important job, but not one without its share of fun. Watching Piper in full flow across the ground, it was clear how much he, too, enjoyed being out there.
Sadly, after a year-long battle with prostate cancer, Piper passed away in January 2018. An American flag flying at Air Station Traverse City was taken down, folded and presented to Edwards to commemorate Piper’s service.
It’s fair to say that it was a doggy life incredibly well lived, with priorities always in the right place: “Rule No. 1,” Edwards said, “is to always look cool.”
Enjoy hearing about Piper in Michigan? Check out these life-saving dogs in Italy!
