In April of 2005, a cute little yellow Lab pup was born, specifically bred for the purpose of being a Guide Dog. Guide Dogs of America (GDA) breeds canines with the specific purpose of training these dogs to assist the handicapped. The dogs are trained to perform some amazing tasks. …
Originally named “Squirt,” this happy Yellow Lab was recruited from Sioux City Animal Adoption & Rescue Center in Sioux City, IA in February of 2013. His boundless energy and toy-obsessive personality were identified by Kellee Matthews of the South Dakota Canine Center, who routinely visits shelters and rescues in that …
Like many Search Dog Foundation (SDF) canines, Pearl’s early years were troubled ones. Her first owner wasn’t home much, so Pearl frequently would jump the fence of their home and go looking for fun. Inevitably, she would be picked up by animal control and after paying the “bailout” fee one …
As an accomplished escape artist, Elvis was notorious in his previous family’s neighborhood. After a neighbor threatened the life of the wandering Chocolate Lab, Elvis’ family decided they had to give him up. Elvis arrived at Santa Barbara Animal Care and Control in Santa Maria, CA in April of 2008 …
On July 30, 2013, a momentous new chapter began in SDF’s history books. Crockett, a black Lab with unusual zeal completed search dog training as the very first candidate to graduate at SDF’s new home, the National Training Center (NTC), located in Santa Paula, CA. Crockett was partnered with veteran …
In May of 2009, a new SDF volunteer named Bill Murphy came across a listing for a five-month-old Lab mix at the Yolo County Animal Shelter. The description of the pup was appealing, and Bill felt this boy was worth a look. He immediately forwarded the information to the SDF …
In September of 2008 opportunity knocked – or rather tail wagged – for Bella. SDF handler Al Duncan of San Francisco’s Presidio Fire Department had responded to a call from the Stockton Animal Shelter about a possible Search Dog candidate. Unfortunately, the first dog he tested did not have the …
In May of 2015, SDF Handler Trevor Lawrence contacted our training staff about a potential canine candidate he had located in his home state of Utah. Trevor had located homeless canine Charlie at Companion Golden Retriever Rescue (CGRR) in West Jordan, UT, and was a maniac for the toy. After …
Nino was an energetic Fox Red Labrador Retriever, and since he began on the path towards becoming a FEMA-Certified Disaster Search Dog, he impressed everyone he met with his athleticism and drive. Added to this is the absolute joy he finds in barking—which, for a Search Dog, is a powerful tool. …
Ellen Perryess, a 9-year veteran volunteer for the San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Animal Shelter, learned about the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) from her friend and now SDF Canine Recruiter, Heidi Miller-Mercer. Heidi has been a canine evaluator for SDF for many years and was helping Ellen learn to evaluate …
