Between the ongoing investigation into Russia’s alleged 2016 election tampering and its warnings regarding North Korea’s ill intent, the CIA isn’t always in the news for good reason. However, Wednesday provided the internet with a much-needed story about Lulu, a sniffer dog in-training who was ultimately fired by the intelligence agency when she “[made] it clear being an explosive detection K9 isn’t for them.” Judging by the tweeted story and the press release (yes, a full press release) the agency released about Lulu, everything ended happily for all parties involved.
We’re sad to announce that a few weeks into training, Lulu began to show signs that she wasn’t interested in detecting explosive odors. pic.twitter.com/c6lxHPfC09
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
The CIA release explained the matter:
“A few weeks into training, Lulu began to show signs that she wasn’t interested in detecting explosive odors. For some dogs, like Lulu, it becomes clear that the issue isn’t temporary. Instead, this just isn’t the job they are meant for. Lulu was no longer interested in searching for explosives. Even when they could motivate her with food and play to search, she was clearly not enjoying herself any longer. Our trainers’ top concern is the physical and mental well-being of our dogs, so they made the extremely difficult decision to do what’s best for Lulu and drop her from the program.”
Sometimes a pup is bored & needs extra playtime, sometimes they need a little break, or it’s a minor medical condition like a food allergy. pic.twitter.com/pPaBPohhqB
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Lulu wasn’t interested in searching for explosives.
Even when motivated w food & play, she was clearly no longer enjoying herself. pic.twitter.com/puvhDk1tRX— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
As sad as this may seem, however, the statement was quick to add that “[w]hen a dog is dropped or retires from our program, the handler or handler’s family is given the chance to adopt them. Most handlers, of course, choose to do so.” Sure enough, Lulu’s handler decided to adopt her and make her a part of his family, which included another dog. “She now enjoys her days playing with his kids, sniffing out rabbits and squirrels in the backyard, and eating meals and snacks out of a dog dish.”
Lulu was adopted by her handler & now enjoys her days playing w his kids & a new friend, & sniffing out rabbits & squirrels in the backyard. pic.twitter.com/WOImM75P1D
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
We’ll miss Lulu, but it was right decision for her & we wish her all the best in her new life!https://t.co/nPZl6YWNKb pic.twitter.com/Mbcr9C7wUY
— CIA (@CIA) October 18, 2017
Needless to say, the internet immediately fell in love with Lulu, who is obviously a very good girl.
Love this thread. Hope Lulu finds another passion. https://t.co/EMmRnhDxDr
— josh groban (@joshgroban) October 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrDanZak/status/921009648848855040
https://twitter.com/oh_hey_sarah/status/920879787039629312
We all know how Lulu feels, don't we :( https://t.co/sYg5VLecLt
— Tara Mulholland (@tara_mulholland) October 19, 2017
GIVE HER A DESK JOB YOU ANIMALS https://t.co/mLJDniJxBB
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) October 18, 2017
This was especially the case for those who thought “the narc life wasn’t for Lulu.”
What if Lulu actually just developed moral qualms about the methods and aims of the American intelligence establishment tho https://t.co/8NjXuTpUnk
— David A. Graham (@GrahamDavidA) October 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/coreykindberg/status/921009826787979264
https://twitter.com/sydnerain/status/920884624661843968
It turns out that Lulu had some strong feelings about the coup against Allende in 73. https://t.co/XpYEtH5Z6e
— Maggie Serota (@maggieserota) October 18, 2017
This dog is moving to French Guyana and writing for The Intercept. https://t.co/ahglY1RypT
— Jane Coaston (@janecoaston) October 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/oidptg/status/920761885233958912
Even WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was somehow approved for Twitter’s 280 character experiment, couldn’t resist the urge to comment.
Did she become alienated from her labor after hearing how the CIA ushered in ISIS and al-Quada, killed and displace millions in Iraq, Libya and Syria, replaced democracies with dictatorships in Chile and Iran and embraced Saudi Arabian head choppers?https://t.co/8o34GqDGAi
— Defend Assange Campaign (@DefendAssange) October 18, 2017
(Via Mashable)