While nearby Malibu and Thousand Oaks faced the Woolsey Fire, SDF remained committed to strengthening disaster response hosting six Search Teams from across the country at the National Training Center (NTC) for a deployment simulation that spanned the entire 125-acre campus on November 10 and 11. Utah Task Force 1 …
Splash was a smart, sweet, Black Labrador Retriever, donated to the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) by Labyrinth Labradors, run by Colorado breeders Carolyn Tremer and Brant Rosten. Shortly after her birth on October 1st, 2002, Splash began her journey of becoming an SDF Search Dog. Her first stop was at …
On October 26, 2018, we introduced five new SDF trained Search Dogs to join our nation’s roster of canine heroes. Along with their new First Responder-Handlers, they are now taking their first steps in a career dedicated to serving the nation when disaster strikes. SDF’s newest Canine Disaster Search Teams …
Certified urban disaster live find canines and their handlers play a critical role during the rescue phase of deployments when people may be missing. These dogs are trained extensively to go into disaster zones, such as those affected by a hurricane, earthquake or tornado, and use their incredible sense of …
Cooper, formerly Cody, comes to us from Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue (GGLRR) located in the bay area of Northern California. Sadly, Cooper had a difficult start in life, in which he reportedly suffered neglect and abuse at the hands of his owners, before GGLRR was able to help …
In April of 2007, a call came in to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation office about a potential canine candidate. It was Penny Woodruff, a volunteer and foster home for the non-profit High Sierra Animal Rescue (HSAR) in Portola, CA. Penny had previously rescued SDF search dog Zoey. Now …
In 2005, a Yellow Lab named Hunter – as he was known back then – had worn out his welcome with his family because they could no longer manage his high energy level. Pluis and Kate Davern, Search Dog Foundation (SDF) trainers and owners of Sundowners Kennels, where all SDF …
Lani, a beautiful German Shepherd mix with a black face, was born August 22, 2003. From eight weeks of age, Susan Zubillaga raised her to be a Guide Dog for the Blind (GDB). Lani was intelligent, fun, eager to learn new things, and always on the go. She kept Susan’s …
Skylar was picked up in the Medford, Oregon area as a stray by Jackson County Animal Care & Control on December 12, 2017. The shelter contacted SDF Recruiter Kirsten Fulk when the staff there noticed Skylar’s boundless energy and intense desire for toys. Less than 10 days later, Kirsten …
On August 4 and 5, SDF welcomed canine teams from across the country to our National Training Center (NTC) for our first-ever Human Remains Detection (HRD) workshop! For 22 years, SDF has specialized in the training of live find disaster Search Dogs, or those that search solely for humans trapped …
