Category: SDF Features

Sometimes the path from shelter to Search Dog is an arduous one, with many dedicated people helping along the way. When a rescued dog concludes the first 30 days of training at Sundowners Kennels, it is cause for celebration! This is Rowdy’s story: from neglected stray to Search Dog in …

“The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog with strong guardian instincts. Australian Shepherds are delightful and loyal companions. They love to be part of the daily hustle and bustle. They diligently carry out their responsibilities. They are easy to train, and eager to please.” We don’t know a lot about …

Apr. 2000—Jan. 2013 The story of “Mace” began tragically. This Yellow Lab began his life in Fremont, CA, with an owner who abandoned him and, unbelievably, tied him to a railroad track. He was then sprayed with mace and left to die. He was found and taken to an animal …

Cody wasn’t destined to be a laid-back couch dog. Sure, he was everything a family dog should be: friendly, loyal, handsome and smart. But while he loved his family, he seemed to want more out of life. He honed his skill as an escape artist, sometimes using paws, nose and …

Born May 28, 1998, Jessie’s story began with SDF handler, Jeff Place, who raised him from a pup before bringing him to Wilma, SDF’s founder. Wilma and SDF soon found him a Prep Home with Donna Stevens and her family. It was with the Stevens family that Jessie started to …

Ranger, a male Border Collie, was born on October 15, 2000 with all the characteristics of a Disaster Search Dog. Recognizing this, his owner, Deresa Teller, decided to donate him to the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) to receive professional training. Ranger was placed with volunteer Rosemary Schumacher for his Canine …

Val was born on January 24, 1998. He started out his professional life with Canine Companions for Independence in Santa Rosa, California, but the group thought Val had too much drive to be an assistance dog, and donated him to the Search Dog Foundation (SDF). “He had too much drive to …

Partnered with Jim Boggeri Marin County Fire Department Oakland, California Task Force 4 Born November 19, 1999, Recon was originally donated to the Search Dog Foundation by Lab breeders Bethanie and Mike McGahan. Although they loved this beautiful Yellow Lab “Ice”, as he was then called, they saw that he …