K-9 Nellie graduated from ATF‘s Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.) program where she learned to detect all military commercial and homemade explosives. Nellie can search for explosives, firearms, and firearms evidence both on and off leash. Nellie‘s off leash search ability allows her handler to send Nellie to specified targets from a distance. Once at the target/area, her handler can use hand and whistle signals to direct Nellie to search for explosives, firearms and firearms evidence. This unique ability provides her handler the option to search for explosives from a distance, providing additional safety for the handler. Nellie assists federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies locate and recover, explosives, firearms and firearms evidence. Nellie came to ATF in October 2023 through Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, N.Y. Nellie now lives in Wisconsin and is assigned to the Chicago Field Division, Milwaukee Field Office, but assists in both explosive and firearms investigations throughout the United States when needed. When not working, Nellie loves to play and enjoys hanging out with her retired K-9 sister Sandi.
