Jeb is a perfect example of finding the right job for a particular dog. He started his working career as a field dog, but his dislike for water and inability to mark made it hard for this Labrador to get the job done. His owner and trainer, Jerry Roellchen of Train-Rite, found Jeb in Ohio when he was a 7-week-old puppy and trained him for field trials for over a year before donating him to SDF in 2005.
The decision turned out to be the best for SDF and new Search Dog Jeb! After six quick months of training at Sundowners Kennel, Jeb was paired with a firefighter Jonathan Barnes (“JB”) of the Salinas Fire Department in March of 2006.
Jeb has proven himself to be an excellent Search Dog. He has a great deal of drive and a tremendous enthusiasm for searching, especially at large rubble sites. According to JB, Jeb is like a dog possessedwhen he’s waiting for his turn to search.
In November of 2007, JB and Jeb attained their FEMA Certification and are ready to serve the Central Coast of California and the nation in the event of a disaster. In October of 2010, the pair traveled to Seattle, WA and again showed their skills, easily passing their FEMA Re-certification test.
Today, Jeb and JB are nonstop workmates and friends. Jeb really enjoys “hanging out” with the firemen at the Salinas Fire Station where JB works. He is calm and friendly with people and other dogs. At home, Jeb gets along famously with JB, his wife Amy, and her dog, Jack.
In a message to Jerry Roellchen, Jeb’s first trainer, JB said, “I can’t thank you enough for donating Jeb to the Foundation, and I can’t imagine my life without him.”