US wants to sign up dogs with a nose for drugs

The United States Customs Service is looking for a few good dogs with a "frantic desire to retrieve," the Wall Street Journal reports.

Uncle Sam is recruiting canine civil servants for a number of duties. The Customs Service this year began its first nationwide appeal for dogs, who are very effective in sniffing out drugs in airports. The military plans to recruit 1,200 furry friends this year, up from 500 in past years -- for guarding at military posts and searching ships and aircraft for contraband and explosives. State and municipal police have jointed the competition for a few good frantic retrievers.