Detection Dog Spotlight: Ariana Bolainez and K9 Brando

“That kind of alert might not register to anyone else,” says Ariana. “But I know Brando—and when he signals, I act. No second guessing.”

That bond—deep, intuitive, and rooted in trust—is what makes this team so effective. Ariana and Brando are part of the Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services global network of more than 1,000 detection canine teams. Their job is to protect some of the most high-traffic venues in Los Angeles from the threat of firearms with quiet precision and unwavering attention to detail. 

From Runways to Real-World Readiness

Before joining the ranks of elite canine handlers, Ariana served six years in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller—making split-second decisions under pressure and guiding others with calm clarity. She enlisted at just 17 years old, embracing responsibility well beyond her years.  

After her service, Ariana says that transitioning to civilian life was challenging. “I was kind of stuck,” she says. “I didn’t know what to do next.” A friend already working at Allied Universal encouraged her to apply to be a dog handler. “Working with dogs sounded awesome. Plus, the company really supports veterans. That mattered to me.”

She interviewed and got the job. And she got Brando—a strong, spirited four-year-old Labrador. At just 4 feet 11 inches tall, Ariana quickly learned how to read him, communicate effectively, and earn his trust.

“In the beginning, people would joke that I was the girl getting pulled around by her dog,” she laughs. “But I knew we could be more than that. I just had to understand his body language and build our bond.” Three years later, she and Brando move as one. 

Precision, Poise, and a Powerful Reputation

Brando is dual certified as both an Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) and a Firearms Detection Canine (FDC)—a distinction that elevates his impact on every assignment.

“When he is working, Brando is all business,” Ariana explains. “But it is on me to interpret what he is telling me—to know exactly what that alert means and how to respond. That is why our bond matters so much. We are together 24/7, so I know him, and he knows me. Even just with eye contact, I know what he’s thinking. I’m like, ‘Yeah, buddy. I feel the same way.’”

Her supervisor, Dan Silva, sees the results firsthand. “Ariana never second-guesses her dog. She stays sharp on her training and knows her dog. Clients trust them—and many request this team by name. They know the caliber of work Ariana and Brando bring to the job.” 

From the Navy to Brando—and Beyond

Today, Ariana is not just thriving on the job—she is also pursuing a degree in psychology and building a future full of options. “I am not sure where it will lead,” she says, “but I love what I do now, and I definitely want to stay with Brando for the long run.”

For veterans like Ariana, returning to the workforce is about more than finding employment. It is about rediscovering purpose, structure, and community.

“Getting out of the military is pretty hard,” she shares. “The world is very different outside. But here, I found people who understand what that transition feels like. Many of my coworkers are former military, and we have built real friendships. It reminds me of my time in service—like a second family.”

That shared background is no coincidence. All Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services canine handlers come from prior law enforcement or military service—ensuring a professional foundation rooted in discipline, integrity, and mission-readiness. The company’s long-standing commitment to veterans has earned it repeated recognition, including the Military Times “Best for Vets” Employer designation.

Through the structure of detection work and the loyalty of her canine partner, Ariana has found both momentum and meaning. “This job has brought me out of my shell,” she says. “It has helped me grow in ways I did not expect. It is hard work—but it is also incredibly rewarding.”