Lilah (2010-2023)

In January of 2011, SDF received a call from volunteer Andrea Bergquist (whose husband Chris was a handler with California Task Force 7 based in Sacramento), letting us know that she had discovered an excellent Search Dog candidate at the Sacramento SPCA. Lilah, a one-year-old Black Lab, had been picked …

Haley (2009-2022)

In July of 2009, Labrador breeder Nancy King of Canyon Country, CA responded to a Search Dog Foundation article in the Retriever News.  Nancy had a 1-year-old Chocolate Labrador that was evaluated for Search Dog potential.  In the process, 8-week-old Haley was discovered, and Nancy generously donated her to SDF.  …

Chief (2008-2022)

On a cold, bleak day in March 2010, a young Golden Retriever was found cowering in the driveway of a stranger’s home in Grand Junction, Colorado. The homeowner took the stray to the Roice-Hurst Humane Society, where everyone was convinced this handsome canine must surely be someone’s beloved pet. Hoping …

Kari (2009-2022)

Kari was discovered in the apartment complex of Naomi Greenfield, after she noticed Kari, full of life and energy, in a neighbor’s yard. Naomi saw something special in Kari and believed she had untapped potential. She spoke to Kari’s family and learned how to evaluate Kari as a search dog …

Sonic (2007-2022)

In February 2009, SDF trainers Sharon Hanzelka and Kate Davern had some free time while visiting Las Vegas and decided to visit local animal shelters to look for search dog candidates. At The Animal Foundation (formerly Leid Animal Shelter), one of the largest shelters in the area, they split up …

Rex (2008-2022)

In the summer of 2008, an SDF volunteer received word from a friend about a Labrador breeder in Central California who needed to place one of her puppies. The breeder had a reputation for producing high-drive field trial and duck hunting dogs – precisely the type of dogs who might …