On May 5, 2026, SDF-Trained Team Max and Samantha Mar of the San Francisco Fire Department, California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) were called into action to support a wide area search in San Francisco. The San Francisco Fire Department and local police responded to a vehicle crash where it was feared the driver had been ejected from …
Originally named “Bouncer,” this handsome Black Labrador was recruited from El Dorado County Animal Services in Placerville, CA. Upon being contacted about Bouncer’s potential, SDF staff called on long-time supporter and volunteer Penny Woodruff, who lived in that area, to help with his evaluation. Penny reported back that “he did well …
In 2015, SDF Canine Recruiter Kirsten Fulk was visiting shelters in her native Oregon to seek out homeless dogs that might have a future as urban disaster search dogs and hit the jackpot when she stopped at Brightside Animal Shelter in Redmond, OR. Kirsten explained, “The behaviorist at Brightside …
Our disaster search teams must always be ready to answer the call, no matter where they are or what they are training for. This past week, New York Task Force 2 (NY-TF2) canine Echo put that readiness into action when a single-family home exploded in Rochester, NY. At the …
Our teams train year-round for the unexpected, and this past week, that readiness was put to the test when Trinity Maurer and Search Dog Goldie deployed on their very first mission together! On April 13th, Trinity was in Virginia Beach, VA, teaching a canine care refresher course to her …
After a breeder had an accidental litter, Ivan was given to canine enthusiast Kim Newman of Snellville, Georgia. Kim then gifted Ivan to a friend who wanted a dog of their own, but Ivan proved to be a lot for the average pet owner to handle. Little did they know …
The energy on our campus was palpable on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as we gathered with staff, friends, and family to celebrate a significant milestone: the official pairing of five new search teams. We were especially honored to have our founder, Wilma Melville, join us for the celebration as we …
In this issue: The spring Bark Alert magazine is officially here! Dive into our latest milestones, from a look back at our team deployments over the last six months to a behind-the-scenes pass into the advanced training happening right here on our campus. We also take you inside our Lifetime Care adoption process and show you how …
