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If there’s one thing Dallas knows, it is how to go big—and three-year-old German Shepherd, Gas, fits right in. With boundless energy, he certainly lives up to his name. Led by his dedicated handler, Alexandra Hankins, Gas powers through his explosive detection work like a true Lone Star State legend.
Paired together earlier this year, Alexandra and Gas are part of Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services. They are one among hundreds of detection canine teams deployed worldwide. Certified under the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Third-Party Canine (3PK9) Program, they screen heavyweight air cargo for one of the world’s leading air freight carriers. With thousands of shipments moving through Dallas daily, Alexandra and Gas are crucial to helping ensure air cargo remains safe to transport. In fact, bomb dogs screen cargo up to 10 times faster than conventional methods like X-rays or trace detection, making them the most efficient and reliable solution available.
Before joining Allied Universal, Alexandra spent five years in the U.S. Army as a canine handler. Coming from a family with deep military roots—her parents, grandfathers and three brothers all served—she was naturally drawn to service. Her father’s role as a military police officer sparked her interest in canine handling. “My dad would send videos of the dogs in action. It left a huge impression on me and when I decided to enlist, I knew I wanted to follow that path. I was fortunate to secure a spot as a handler,” Alexandra shares.
Over the course of her military career, Alexandra gained invaluable experience during her deployments at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and U.S. Army Garrison (Camp) Humphreys in South Korea. Her time in the service taught her not just the technical skills of detection work, but also the importance of building a genuine partnership with her canine. “There’s a big difference between working a dog and working with a dog,” she explains. “You must forge a real connection that is based on a high level of trust and understanding. That bond makes the work more effective and rewarding.” The valuable lessons Alexandra learned in the Army continue to shape her work with her bomb dog today. “Gas and I challenge each other to improve every day. We’re not just partners at work—we’re a team on a shared mission to keep people safe. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Like all Allied Universal detection dogs, Gas lives at home with his handler, which helps to further reinforce their bond. Alexandra’s husband is also a canine handler for local law enforcement. They and their two young sons share the house with not one, but two working dogs. “It’s a full house, but we love it. Gas is so gentle with the boys and they absolutely adore him. At work, he’s all energy and focus, but at home, he is their ultimate cuddle buddy,” she says with a smile.
