Dog Detection Spotlight - Michael and Honey

The city of Boston enjoys a rich history and reputation for some of the most hard working and successful Americans, from sports to academics. Among them is Allied Universal® Field Supervisor Michael Cataldo and Explosive Detection Canine Honey. Part of Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services, they are one of 1,000+ Canine Detection Teams working throughout North America.

Honey, a lively six-year-old yellow Labrador, thrives on Beantown action according to her handler Michael. “Honey loves the fast pace of the city and that translates into her work. She has incredible stamina and an unbeatable nose for odor, which helps us make quick work in screening for explosives – regardless of the deployment environment,” explains Michael. 

The team screens for explosives at commercial venues and in the regulated air cargo space for international freight shippers. Like all Allied Universal bomb dogs, Honey is imprinted and trained on all five families of commercial and military grade explosives, as well as homemade explosives such as TATP and HMTD. In addition to the daily training that she receives from Michael, Honey trains and tests as often as monthly at one of the company’s regional training facilities. This rigorous requirement sustains Allied Universal dogs as best-in-class. Michael proudly acknowledges her consistent performance over the years. “Our trainers are always impressed with Honey and her ability to detect odor. It makes me both proud and extremely confident in my partner."

Honey is not the only one exceeding expectations at work. In September of 2023, Michael earned a promotion to Boston K9 Field Supervisor for the company’s Northeast Operations. With all regional explosive detection canine teams under his supervision, he is responsible and accountable for the good order of the workforce and meeting client requirements. This includes managing scheduling, duties, performance reporting and client communication. 

Before beginning his career as a handler, Michael dedicated 10 years to law enforcement. He worked for the state sheriff’s office in the civil division and still relies on the skills he acquired on the job. Michael emphasizes the importance of an even temperament, strong attention to detail and proficiency for observing your surroundings to ensure safety standards and protocols are met. Once he moved on from the sheriff’s office, Michael leaned into his lifelong interest in becoming a canine handler. “I had family and friends who were handlers and it always seemed like a great job. When I learned about an opening here, I decided to pursue it. It was a terrific decision – and one that led me to my best friend and partner, Honey,” says Michael with a smile. 

The feeling is mutual. Whether at work or home, Honey loves being at Michael’s side – unless of course there is a good tug-of-war or game of tag about to go down with her good pal Frosty, the family’s bubbly Bichon/Westie.

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