Nick spent eight years sniffing out explosives for the Army. Federal workers across the Defense Department know him a different way. His goggled photo is the login screen for the Department of Defense Global Directory. He ran 58 Secret Service missions, a NATO summit and the UN General Assembly. Nick retired at Fort Meade on January 21, 2026. His handler, Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, adopted him.
The Dog on Every Government Login Screen Just Retired
Log onto a Defense Department computer and the same dog is staring back at you. Most people have no idea he has a name, let alone a full military career behind that photo.
The Face Behind the Login Screen
The dog is Nick, a German Shepherd assigned to the 2nd Military Police Detachment at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Wearing his signature protective goggles, a close-up of his face became the background image on the login page for the Department of Defense Global Directory, the sign-on system service members and civilian employees use every day.
The picture was taken in May 2020 by Spc. Derek Mustard, during Nick's nine-month deployment to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. He was wearing the goggles, which earned him the nickname "Doggles," at the range for familiarization. The gear is meant to shield working dogs from sand, debris and harsh weather.
When the directory needed a login image, Nick's photo was chosen from hundreds of submissions. "When they saw Nick's photo, the creators knew that was the one they wanted," his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, said.
58 Secret Service Missions and a NATO Summit
Away from the login screen, Nick worked as a patrol explosives detector dog, searching out hidden explosives so technicians could safely deal with them.
His resume over eight years includes 58 United States Secret Service missions and 5,798 hours on duty. He also worked a NATO summit, the Democratic National Convention, the Army's 250th anniversary celebration, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.
A Retirement Fit for a Celebrity
Nick retired at a ceremony at Fort George G. Meade on January 21, 2026, seven years after he first arrived at the base.
Gift baskets of toys, a new bed and a wooden plaque marked the occasion. His handler, Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton, and Peyton's wife, Lauren, adopted him on the spot. It was the second military working dog the family has taken in.
Nick's photo may stay on government login screens a while longer. The dog behind it just gets to be a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nick the "Doggles" military dog?
Why is a dog's photo on the Department of Defense login page?
When did Nick the military working dog retire?
What missions did Nick work during his career?
Who adopted Nick after he retired?
Verified Fact
Verified Aug 5, 2026 · 4 sources checked
Source: U.S. ArmyShow verification details
Claims checked
- Retired Jan 21, 2026, after eight years total, seven at Fort Meade
- Ran 58 Secret Service missions and logged 5,798 duty hours as separate career totals
- Photo was chosen from hundreds for the DoD Global Directory login screen
- Adopted by handler Staff Sgt. Justin Peyton and wife Lauren
Sources: U.S. Army, DVIDS, Stars and Stripes, WMAR2News
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