Oklahoma's ATF Dog Finally Arrives

By Margaret Stokes & Chris Howell for NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Okla. -- After a long and highly anticipated wait, Shirley, Oklahoma's only ATF dog, arrived at the Tulsa International Airport.

"She's probably high matiennance and she's just taking a while to get here," said onlooker Jan Adams with a smile.

For Shirley the cameras, lights, and microphones are all just part of another day on the job. She's traveling first class to Denver to attend the Democratic National Convention.

"We've had a pretty busy year we did the super bowl just this summer.  We've done the college world series and we've also done the US Olympic Trials so we'll see if the Democratic National Convention can beat Michael Phelps," said Shirley's handler Tulsa County Sheriff's Deputy Tracey Breeden.

"It's a very cute dog. Hopefully he gets an upgrade to first class," said Jerry Delavergne, a traveler at the airport.

Shirley's handler says the pampered pooch likes to travel by plane.

"She's a little nervous on takeoff and landing like most of us are, but then she calms down," said Deputy Breeden.

The travel might be luxurious, but once in Denver it will be time to work.

"We'll be doing sweeps for explosives and also guns and ammunition. The dog can do a search for about 30 to 45 minutes, but then they have to take a break," said Deputy Breeden.

At only three years old, Shirley can detect over 19,000 explosive compounds along with guns and ammunition.  She might be all business, but Labradors are chosen for this role because of their laid back nature.

"How can you not smile when you see a Labrador? They do very well in large crowds and venues. They're easy to train and they're not intimidating," said Deputy Breeden.

Events like the Democratic convention require all of the ATF dogs nationwide to attend. There are about 130 in all.

It doesn't appear Shirley has a very "ruff" life and she kept her mouth shut on who she'll vote for. It could be whoever hands her a treat.