Bomb detection dogs Bailey and Libby traded their usual collars for birthday bandannas and headbands as the four-legged members of UF Public Safety celebrated their special day on Thursday.
Libby and Bailey are Labrador retrievers who work alongside UF Public Safety officers to conduct bomb sweeps before sports games and other large events around UF. The two can frequently be spotted around campus, from athletic events to student orientation sessions.
Inside the Reitz Union, visitors and staff gushed over the pair and posed for pictures with the birthday girls. Each dog celebrated with a bone-shaped cake made with dog-safe chocolate and decorated with pink icing.
Bailey politely nibbled her cake as several onlookers snapped pictures from above and below. “Aws” filled the room as the dog’s “Birthday Girl” headband bobbed amidst tail wags and careful bites.
“Libby waits for no one,” one officer joked as the other Labrador dived into her cake.
The humans didn’t leave hungry, either. Visitors were treated to popcorn and cake and even received birthday hats and stickers to join in the festivities.
The joint celebration falls between the two dogs’ birthdays — with Libby’s on June 20 and Bailey’s on July 21.
Bailey will turn 3 years old next month. She began working as a bomb detection dog in April 2025, frequently attending football games and events. Her handler, UF Public Safety officer Nate Smith, described her as a timid but hardworking companion.
“She comes home with me every day,” he said. “Bailey was very timid. Last football season was rough on her. I’ve been exposing her to all the different events and crowds of people like this, and now look at her — she’s a happy girl.”
Libby turned 6 years old earlier this month. In 2022, she met her handler, UF Public Safety officer Renee Jost, after being purchased from the International Canine College.
Afterward, she went through a month-long training program to become a bomb detection dog, Jost said.
This was Libby’s second birthday celebration since becoming a member of the UF Public Safety. She previously had a birthday party celebrating her fourth birthday in 2024. Jost described Libby as a toy-loving goofball who loves to watch television when she’s off duty.
“Fetch is life when we get home,” Jost said. “She is a little bit of a different dog. She likes to lay on the couch or the bed and loves to watch TV with us, which is kind of funny.”
Between photos and pets, the dogs eagerly greeted UF Public Safety staff and students.
Kailey Tedjeske, a UF Public Safety spokesperson, said the event was an opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the department.
“It’s a great opportunity for both dogs to get together and celebrate their birthdays,” she said.
Contact Olivia Lofaso at olofaso@alligator.org. Follow her on X @OLofaso77652.
Olivia Lofaso is a third-year journalism student and the Summer 2026 city/county commission reporter. She previously worked as a contributing writer at The Alligator. In her free time she enjoys visiting art museums and solving crosswords.
