Category: News

Deployment Reports, News, SDF Features

SDF-trained teams deploy to assist victims of Midwest storms

  On April 2, 2025, an outbreak of deadly storms cut a path across the southern and midwestern United States, leaving destruction in their wake. In response, SDF-trained teams Adam Schaaf & Dodger and Mark Schroeder & Koda of Nebraska Task Force 1, and Jeremy DeMott & Chirp from Virginia …

Lifetime Care, News, SDF Features

Happy Tails – Walnut helps protect pond turtles through his volunteer job!

Walnut was generously donated to SDF by Kaiser K9, Inc., and arrived on campus full of excitement and ready to get to work! His trainers were immediately enamored with this adorable, charming Lab, and he earned the affectionate nickname "Woo-Nut" because he couldn't help but woo all his trainers with …
News

Congratulations to the canine disaster search teams that have achieved certification so far in 2025!

So far, in 2025, 11 SDF-trained teams achieved certification, allowing them to deploy with their task forces when called upon to respond when needed.   Congratulations to the following teams who achieved certification together for the first time: Ivan Arredondo & Gizmo (California Task Force 8) Arby Fields & Greta …
Lifetime Care, News, SDF Features

Happy Tails – Cooper overcomes his painful past and finds joy with a loving family

Upon arrival at SDF's campus, potential candidates for our program undergo routine medical screening, which allows us to check each dog for possible health issues. In most cases, the medical tests reveal a healthy pup. In Cooper's case, however, we were shocked when we saw his X-rays—this tough boy had …
Rainbow Bridge

Merlin (2013 – 2025)

Merlin had been discovered in Northern California in late 2014, wandering the streets near the Oakland Coliseum. He was picked up as a stray and taken to the Oakland Animal Services shelter. No one ever came to claim him and he was not doing well at the shelter. He failed …

Lifetime Care, News, SDF Features

From search dog to snow dog: Raven finds fun and fulfillment in the Utah mountains

Raven was purchased by a family in Salt Lake City who hoped she would a make a good support dog for their child, but Raven’s rambunctious personality soon made it clear this was not her ideal role. Unable to handle her energy, the family placed an ad for Raven’s adoption. …
News, SDF Features

From troubled pasts to having a blast – Max and Chad are making the most of their second chances!

Because our canine candidates are often recruited from shelters and rescues, which themselves have limited information about dogs' pasts, we often don't know what our candidates' lives looked like before arriving at SDF. However, routine medical screenings can give us some insight from time to time, although sadly, it's not …