Category: SDF Features
Vader (2013 – 2022)
Vader, a stocky Black Lab, was originally living at the Rescue Ranch in Yreka, CA. The staff there knew he needed a job but were not quite sure how to get him “hired.” When the Rescue Ranch called SDF, then-Canine Recruitment Manager, Darrell Wilkerson, immediately put them in touch with regional …
George (2009 – 2022)
In early 2010, George became the second dog to join the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) ranks from Labradors and Friends Rescue in San Diego, CA. This big Black Lab with a carefree attitude, amazing agility and boundless energy just needed to find his calling in life. The traits that helped …
Changing careers and still changing lives: Meet Rebar
Rebar began life as a service dog trainee with Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit that places service dogs with disabled veterans and children with autism. (His unique name came from the steel company that sponsored his training at Retrieving Freedom.) While Rebar was still a puppy in a volunteer foster home, …
Topa: Heart of a hero
Catch up with Hawkeye: From the big house to the bug house
Holy conservation, Bat-dog! Ptero changes course to help protect bats
Riley (2007 – 2021)
Born on October 1, 2007 to a breeder in Northern California who named him “Mojo,” this adorable Yellow Lab had been purchased by an elderly couple looking for a quiet family companion. Unfortunately, a short time after welcoming Mojo into their lives, the couple started facing some medical issues which …
Rosie (2009 – 2021)
Rosie was donated to our program by long-time SDF volunteer Katherine Timmerman of Sacramento, CA, who evaluated Rosie after being contacted in July of 2011 by a divorcing couple who were unable to keep her. A 2-year-old Yellow Lab, Rosie was described by Katherine as having “a very strong play …
Sarge (2007 – 2021)
Sarge’s success story is one of true teamwork. This handsome Chocolate Lab was discovered at the Merced County Animal Shelter by a volunteer with Central Coast Labrador Rescue. A narcotics detection canine trainer named Julia Ford who lived in the area received a call from the rescue that they had …
