OTAY MOUNTAIN, Calif. –
A seamless joint operation between Task Force Sentinel aviators and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel helped save the life of canine Boo, a Border Patrol K-9 agent, bitten by a rattlesnake during an illegal alien apprehension mission in rugged terrain on May 9, 2025.
Around 4:00 p.m., a CBP agent and his K-9 partner were conducting operations in the Chu sector, on the east side of Otay Mountain, when Boo suffered a venomous snakebite. A crew from Task Force Sentinel responded rapidly to the incident.
“Hearing the coordination of CBP operations and agents over the net put into perspective that all lives mattered, human or canine,” said Sgt. Mariano Vergado-Duclayan, “An agent is an agent and equally important.”
The mission immediately shifted from reconnaissance to medical evacuation. The mountainous terrain made it impossible for the CBP helicopter to land. However, Task Force Sentinel’s aircraft was able to maneuver into a confined landing zone with precision, performing a “skids light” landing against the slope while avoiding sharp rocks and natural hazards.
“Cabin doors open, secured, and within seconds the K-9 agent and handler were onboard,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ledward, “We were in the air and enroute to the rendezvous point.”
Task Force Sentinel’s helicopter landed at John Nichol’s Field Airport where Boo was transferred to the CBP helicopter. The two helicopters positioned rear-to-rear on the tarmac, allowing a rapid and safe transfer of Boo.
Once successfully transferred, he was flown directly to a veterinary emergency facility in La Mesa, California, where he received immediate antivenom treatment and care. Boo was able to fully recover, thanks to the rapid response and expert coordination from Task Force Sentinel and CBP.
“We cannot thank you enough. You undoubtedly saved Canine Boo’s life,” said Agent Christopher Amezcua, Boo's Handler, “These canines became members of the family, and your response meant everything.”