Rescue Dog Chloe Becomes First Border Patrol Comfort K9
National News - Not long ago, Chloe was a stray running the streets of Deming, New Mexico. Today, she wears a badge with the U.S. Border Patrol.
On May 15, 2026, Chloe graduated from the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Academy in El Paso, Texas. She became the first rescue dog to complete the program as a Critical Incident Response Canine.
That same day, Chloe took her oath of office. She was sworn in by Stephen D. Crump, director of the USBP Canine Academy.
Chloe is now paired with U.S. Border Patrol Agent Miguel Carrillo at the Baton Rouge station. Since graduation, the pair has traveled across the Gulf Coast region to support Customs and Border Protection employees, their families and partner agencies.
"Chloe's story reflects the very best of service, resilience and compassion," said Adam Calderon, acting chief patrol agent for U.S. Border Patrol New Orleans Sector. "From being rescued in New Mexico to becoming the first rescue dog to graduate from the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Academy as a Critical Incident Response Canine, Chloe represents the power of second chances."
Chloe's path to the Border Patrol started at a high-kill shelter in New Mexico. The Deming County Humane Society took her in on Jan. 29, 2026, and she was placed on the euthanasia list less than two weeks later.
The Animal Rescue League of El Paso pulled Chloe from the shelter on Feb. 10, 2026. Founder Loretta Hyde noticed something special in her right away, and Chloe was later chosen for the Customs and Border Protection canine program.
"Chloe's journey is a powerful reminder that with patience, purpose and a second chance, extraordinary things are possible," said Agent Carrillo, Chloe's handler. "She is serving those who serve our nation, and her work is already making a meaningful difference."
The Critical Incident Response Canine Handler Course runs five weeks at the Border Patrol Canine Academy in El Paso. It covers basic obedience, critical incident response training and deployment preparation for each canine and handler team.
The Border Patrol created the program, first known as the Support Canine Program, after the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 people were killed.
Then-Chief Raul Ortiz pushed for the program after seeing how much support agents needed following traumatic events.
The program's goal is to ease stress, anxiety and depression among agents and their families. It also helps staff process grief and loss after critical incidents.
Chloe already has a long list of comfort missions behind her. She and Carrillo attended services for Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson, who was shot and killed on July 13, 2026, while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana, and the two offered comfort to his wife, children, parents and colleagues.
Chloe has also visited local hospitals to sit with patients recovering from serious illness and those in hospice care. When Carrillo tells her to "go say hi," she gets right to work offering affection and warmth.
From a shelter in Deming to a badge with the Border Patrol, Chloe shows that rescue dogs can do more than survive. They can inspire, heal and change lives.
