Honestly, I find it an amusing way to describe them...not to mention finding a certain irony in it. Oh, and the fact that my best friend will see one and shout "It's a puppy!" to me doesn't hurt, either. (Don't worry...he's military, he knows not to approach them or pet them, but he still makes the comments)
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Trainmans daughter
OBS Chief
This is Atlas, and he was indeed adorable. We met him onthe CS between Seattle and Portland in 2010. He seemed to love his job, but really wanted to play with my granddaughter!
Oh, ok. I thought people were making fun of me.
T
The Whistler
Guest
When traveling by rail security must be realistic. There are thousands of miles of tracks that run coast to coast and hundreds of station stops that are not manned. Passengers board and depart all along every route ( except the A/T). Big brother cannot screen everything. It is up to the people to become citizen observers so that we can all play a part in protecting our railroad system. If everyone keeps their eyes and ears open; combined with the bomb sniffing dogs at the big stations, the Amtrak police etc., trains should remain a safe environment for travel.
Ryan
Court Jester
Boy am I glad we dredged up a year-old thread to clear that up!Oh, ok. I thought people were making fun of me.
the_traveler
Engineer
The only time I have been searched (quick luggage check) and had my bags swabbed by TSA was when boarding at MKA (the airport station). I was taking a point run and rode to MKE before returning south. They only checked the passengers boarding the southbound train. As soon as it departed, they packed op and left. (The northbound had not arrived yet.)
The only time I've seen the dog was while waiting at BOS.
The only time I've seen the dog was while waiting at BOS.
Everydaymatters
Engineer
I've seen the dog(s) several times at CUS. One of the times was when a group of AUers was waiting the Metropolitan Lounge before going to Boston. I have also seen a dog go through the train, I think it might have been in Kansas City. Another time in WV everyone in the lounge car was told by DHS to return to their seats. After everyone had their ID's checked, we were allowed to return to the lounge car. At that time, the DHS boarded at one stop, did their check, and detrained at the next stop. Coming back from the Gathering in Seattle, almost everyone got off the train at Havre. I was deep into an interesting book, so I stayed. I was asked if I was a citizen of the United States. I replied "Yes, I am" and he went on his way.
Based on my experiences, to not have seen the dogs, or to not have been checked, is an exception, rather than a rule.
Based on my experiences, to not have seen the dogs, or to not have been checked, is an exception, rather than a rule.
SubwayNut
Conductor
I've only seen dogs actually aboard trains on Acela in particular in two places:
1) Riding from Boston South to Boston Back Bay
2) Walking the train during the 10 minute service stop in NYP on through trips.
Once I was boarding a NE Regional (in December 2012) for a New York to Newark points run (one of my usual add-ons to a trip up the Adirondack) and first tried to board at the exit concourse to be screamed off by an Amtrak employee. I even said "I always board down here" The response was "It's not allowed NEVER do it again" (I've done it on most of my trips since and never had a problem). To make matters worse, I go upstairs, join the regular line and get my tiny bag searched and checked for explosives. I don't think there was any communication between the levels but think I was profiled for it.
1) Riding from Boston South to Boston Back Bay
2) Walking the train during the 10 minute service stop in NYP on through trips.
Once I was boarding a NE Regional (in December 2012) for a New York to Newark points run (one of my usual add-ons to a trip up the Adirondack) and first tried to board at the exit concourse to be screamed off by an Amtrak employee. I even said "I always board down here" The response was "It's not allowed NEVER do it again" (I've done it on most of my trips since and never had a problem). To make matters worse, I go upstairs, join the regular line and get my tiny bag searched and checked for explosives. I don't think there was any communication between the levels but think I was profiled for it.
BCL
Engineer
I've seen dogs on Amtrak once riding Capitol Corridor. They were Amtrak Police - a pair of officers with a pair of dogs.
As for "cute dogs" - that's often my thinking when I see a police dog. It may be a working dog, but when it gets home with the handler it's usually treated as a family pet. I remember having a rescue dog sniff me like I was a friend of the handler. I've played with a police dog before when the handler (a sheriff's deputy training this dog) was playing a pickup game I was participating in. I petted a bomb sniffer once at some meet and greet event and it just wanted to play.
That's the real reason why people are advised to not approach working police dogs. They'll never get any work done if they're distracted. They're dogs that have to be socialized with people, and they usually like being around people.
As for "cute dogs" - that's often my thinking when I see a police dog. It may be a working dog, but when it gets home with the handler it's usually treated as a family pet. I remember having a rescue dog sniff me like I was a friend of the handler. I've played with a police dog before when the handler (a sheriff's deputy training this dog) was playing a pickup game I was participating in. I petted a bomb sniffer once at some meet and greet event and it just wanted to play.
That's the real reason why people are advised to not approach working police dogs. They'll never get any work done if they're distracted. They're dogs that have to be socialized with people, and they usually like being around people.
My response didn't resurrect the thread...Boy am I glad we dredged up a year-old thread to clear that up!Oh, ok. I thought people were making fun of me.
jis
Permanent Way Inspector
Staff member
Administator
Moderator
AU Supporting Member
Gathering Team Member
I actually have seen Amtrak K9 folks so often on Acelas and NE Regionals that I don;t even pay any attention to them anymore.
Ryan
Court Jester
Sorry, I wasn't trying to say that you did.My response didn't resurrect the thread...Boy am I glad we dredged up a year-old thread to clear that up!Oh, ok. I thought people were making fun of me.
I once made the mistake of being too friendly and speaking to an Amtrak police dog while seated in the (SSL) lounge car. During a stop, the dog and his officer boarded the train and were walking thru the train. When they came into the lounge car everyone was pleased to see the dog and he was quite friendly with everyone.
When the dog came near me, seated by the window, I naturally turned toward him and made a few of those stupid "kissy noises" that we make to our dogs when we are petting and talking to them. The dog came much closer and began to sniff me and nuzzle my face a few times, which made a bunch nearby kids laugh quite loudly.
Of course the officer was not pleased with me and after a moment he and the dog continued on to the remaining cars of the train, before jumping off onto the platform before we began to roll. Needless to say we arrived at our destination safely and on time wishing that the police dog could have joined us the entire trip.
I have wondered how the police dogs react while going through the diner. Do they get excited with all the food on the tables, right near their nose?
When the dog came near me, seated by the window, I naturally turned toward him and made a few of those stupid "kissy noises" that we make to our dogs when we are petting and talking to them. The dog came much closer and began to sniff me and nuzzle my face a few times, which made a bunch nearby kids laugh quite loudly.
Of course the officer was not pleased with me and after a moment he and the dog continued on to the remaining cars of the train, before jumping off onto the platform before we began to roll. Needless to say we arrived at our destination safely and on time wishing that the police dog could have joined us the entire trip.
I have wondered how the police dogs react while going through the diner. Do they get excited with all the food on the tables, right near their nose?
Boy - I know I do! :lol: :lol:
gwschenk
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2013
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Last month on the Southwest Chief a kid was arrested at Albuqueruqe for smuggling a block of cocaine in his luggage. Our luggage was examined and another young man in our sleeper car was frisked and his room and luggage searched.
I asked the sleeping car attendant how he was caught and was told, "Oh, we watch."
Later that day, a person was escorted off the train and arrested in Raton for smoking on the train.
I asked the sleeping car attendant how he was caught and was told, "Oh, we watch."
Later that day, a person was escorted off the train and arrested in Raton for smoking on the train.
VentureForth
Engineer
With the latest cuts in service, the dogs can't tell the difference between the dining car and the baggage car.
trainman74
Conductor
At least we don't have to worry about the dogs getting hold of any chocolate squares!
leemell
Conductor
Pretty wide indeed for Federal property.. Here is the DHS responsibilities:
(a) In General.— To the extent provided for by transfers made pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Secretary of Homeland Security (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall protect the buildings, grounds, and property that are owned, occupied, or secured by the Federal Government (including any agency, instrumentality, or wholly owned or mixed-ownership corporation thereof) and the persons on the property.
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