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 …

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. …

Happy Tails – Valor Creates Community and Inspires Animal Ministry

We welcomed Valor to SDF in late 2019, from the San Clemente Dana Point Animal Shelter, but when routine medical screening revealed an elbow condition, he was released from SDF's training program and made available for career change or adoption to a loving home through our Canine Placement Program. Valor …

Rowan finds his calling as a wildlife detection SCENTdog!

Rowan—previously named Kringle—was found as a stray and brought to a central valley animal shelter, and from there was transferred to San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Services. Luckily for Rowan, the staff at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter have a knack for identifying working dogs—in fact, they previously helped us …

Happy Tails – Timmy’s fans rally around him as his health journey continues

Timmy was raised from puppyhood by a family who, when their circumstances changed, made the tough decision to list Timmy for adoption when they downsized to a smaller apartment. His owners hoped to find Timmy a good home that would be better suited for a dog with his energy levels …

Happy Tails – No bark, no problem—Moose’s talents shine in his new career as a wilderness search dog!

Moose's journey began in Utah, where he lived with his large family, which included kids of all ages and several other dogs. However, when his family suddenly needed to move, they found themselves in a tough situation since they couldn't take all of their dogs with them. When the time …

Happy Tails – Bay trains to protect aquatic environments as a mussel sniffing dog!

Bay was initially raised by an owner in Utah, but when her owner's home situation changed, they decided to surrender Bay to the Tooele City Animal Shelter. During a visit to the shelter, an SDF canine recruiter noticed Bay's great temperament and strong toy drive and asked to bring her …

Happy Tails – Ripley finds everything he’s looking for and more, including a best friend for life!

Ripley was originally slated for a career as a service dog with Canines for Service in North Carolina, but his energy levels were far higher than those of an ideal candidate for their program. His trainer happened to be a former canine handler with NY-TF1, so he was familiar with …