Last Friday, an exceptional event occurred in La Mesa, where a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter made an unconventional landing at Grossmont Boulevard and Jackson Drive. The urgent descent from the skies was for no ordinary passenger, but rather for Boo, a four-legged federal agent of a Border Patrol K9 unit who was in dire need of medical attention after suffering a snakebite while on duty in Otay Mountain Wilderness. CBS8 reported that Boo’s handler acted swiftly, securing an airlift to Pet Emergency Specialty Center for his canine partner.
The intersection was transformed into an improvised helipad as traffic stopped, with onlookers like Nessa Lene, a resident, witnessing the dramatic moment. Lene, capturing the landing with her phone, expressed her concern, telling CBS8, “I didn’t know what was going on, then I saw the dog, and I just started crying. I’m a dog person — I just hoped he was okay.” Boo, having received timely anti-venom treatment and IV fluids, is currently stable and under observation, as confirmed by officials.
Tyler Oder, who works at a nearby shopping center, described the unexpected sight to NBC San Diego, saying, “We saw a helicopter come up in the sky and basically just hovering down, and we were kind of perplexed by it, so we followed it and it landed over the street over there.” The quick response by the CBP agents and the efforts of the veterinary staff showcase the value and care provided to these working animals.
A social media update from Ryan Fournier further assures the community of Boo's condition. On his Facebook page, he posted, "A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter landed on a road in La Mesa, California to transport a K-9 to a veterinarian after being bitten by a rattlesnake He’s reportedly making a STRONG recovery though! Hang in there, pup!" Boo's service as a CBP K-9 spans two years working alongside his handler, with hopes that the devoted dog will soon return to duty.
Agent Esteffany Solano of the San Diego Sector emphasized this sentiment, stating in an interview with NBC San Diego, "Our K-9’s are very special to us, so we’re very proud, very happy, that San Diego was able to support and be concerned about our agent.” Boo's plight and subsequent rescue have touched many, serving as a reminder of the dedication and risks faced by all members of law enforcement, human and K-9 alike.
