Happy Tails – Remus finds his happily ever after with the help of our SDF community!

Remus came to SDF in 2018 as a one-year-old pup. He was smart, funny, and highly trainable—but because he was fearful of new people and wary of other dogs, he wasn't a good fit for search training. Our team began exploring other avenues that would better suit his temperament, including …

Ollie (2012 – 2025)

Originally named “Happy,” this cheerful mutt indeed made the search game look like pure joy! He was discovered at the Western Hills Humane Society in Spearfish, SD, by Kellee Matthews of the South Dakota Canine Center in Sturgis. Kellee was visiting the kennel that day because she had been alerted to another dog that might be …

Congratulations to the canine disaster search teams that have achieved certification so far in 2025!

So far, in 2025, 32 SDF-trained teams achieved certification, allowing them to deploy with their task forces when called upon to respond when needed.   Congratulations to the following teams who achieved certification together for the first time: Ivan Arredondo & Gizmo (California Task Force 8) Cory Baldovin & Webber …

Java (2011 – 2025)

  Java, a one-year-old Plott Hound mix, was picked up as a stray by the Humboldt County Animal Shelter in McKinleyville, CA. During a routine visit to this shelter to help save canine lives, staff from Bones Pet Rescue of Covelo, CA, adopted Java in an attempt to find her …

Geno (2017 – 2025)

Geno’s owner had high hopes for championship titles in the world of field trial competition, but this rambunctious and eager black Labrador was too excited while on the job! Geno could not stop himself from barking in excitement, and his owner knew Geno was just too loud to do well …

Decker (2010 – 2025)

Called “Oscar” at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society in South Dakota where he was discovered by Tim and Kellee Matthews of the South Dakota Canine Center in late 2012, Decker had already spent nearly seven months in the shelter in the hopes of finding a forever home. Because Decker …

SDF-trained team deploys to assist recovery efforts in aftermath of Texas flooding

In the wake of catastrophic flooding across parts of Central Texas, search efforts began in affected areas, where first responders worked to locate those who may be trapped or missing. Among the many resources deployed to the region was SDF-trained search team Jon Munguia & Clifford of California Task Force …