Category: SDF Features
Riley (2007 – 2021)
Born on October 1, 2007 to a breeder in Northern California who named him “Mojo,” this adorable Yellow Lab had been purchased by an elderly couple looking for a quiet family companion. Unfortunately, a short time after welcoming Mojo into their lives, the couple started facing some medical issues which …
Rosie (2009 – 2021)
Rosie was donated to our program by long-time SDF volunteer Katherine Timmerman of Sacramento, CA, who evaluated Rosie after being contacted in July of 2011 by a divorcing couple who were unable to keep her. A 2-year-old Yellow Lab, Rosie was described by Katherine as having “a very strong play …
Sarge (2007 – 2021)
Sarge’s success story is one of true teamwork. This handsome Chocolate Lab was discovered at the Merced County Animal Shelter by a volunteer with Central Coast Labrador Rescue. A narcotics detection canine trainer named Julia Ford who lived in the area received a call from the rescue that they had …
Annie (2006 – 2021)
Joey and Amber Garza had bought “Little Anne” for bird-hunting and as a family pet, but this fireball soon became too energetic for their lifestyle. When Joey’s work schedule changed, they decided she needed a new home. Joey found SDF online and called the office to talk to then-Canine Manager …
Ty (2009 – 2021)
This huge, handsome Black Lab was rescued by Southern Oregon Humane Society’s “Saving Train” – a converted bus that travels throughout Oregon and California, picking up dogs and cats at shelters where they are destined for euthanasia and transferring them to their shelter in Medford, OR. It was clear that …
Ben (2008 – 2021)
This Black Labrador began his career as a Field Trial dog, but it became clear early on that he was better suited for the field of search and rescue. At about 18 months of age, his owner, Janet Eisen, contacted SDF and let us know she had a potential candidate …
Moxie (2010 – 2021)
Moxie was surrendered to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai when her original owner was deployed overseas. Within a day, the SDF office had received numerous calls about the petite black Lab that loved her toys! She did a wonderful job on her search dog candidate evaluation and …
In memoriam: founding volunteer Rosemary Schumacher
On January 17, 2020, SDF lost an important part of our family when our very first volunteer, Rosemary Schumacher, passed away in the Ojai Valley she called home for much of her life. Rosemary led the charge alongside SDF Founder Wilma Melville, handwriting “thank you” letters, processing donations, and …
Salsa (2007 – 2021)
Originally named Unity, this Black Lab had been bred and raised as a companion dog for the organization Guide Dogs of America, but had too much energy and spunk for that line of work. In February 2008, after seeing this lively dog in action, SDF volunteer Kellee Matthews called the …