Category: SDF Features
Happy Tails – Meet Gidget!
Vita (2013 – 2023)
In June of 2014, Tim Matthews of the South Dakota Canine Center was in Iowa visiting the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center, where he had previously adopted Search Dog Ripley the year before. In one of the kennels he found Sammi, a one-year old Black Lab who had …
Happy Tails – Meet Mocha!
Two SDF-trained Teams Search After Building Explosion in Tijuana
On October 20, 2023, SDF-trained search teams Luis Garcia & Montecito and Fidel Gomez & Gemma responded to a building explosion in the Cumbres neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico. The damage was significant and two people were believed to be inside when the explosion occurred. We’re thankful that Luis & …
SDF-trained Team Respond to Building Explosion in Central California
On August 23, 2023, SDF-trained search team Eric Gray & Dee (Santa Barbara County Fire) responded to a building explosion in the Hancock Village condominium complex in Santa Maria, CA. The powerful blast completely destroyed one residence and critically injured the person inside, who remains hospitalized. Three other people …
Canine teams deploy to Southeastern United States ahead of Hurricane Idalia
On August 28, 2023, two SDF-trained canine disaster search teams, Kristi Bartlett & Ivan from Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) and Chris Cook & Ridge from Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2) deployed to the northern Florida area along with their teammates ahead of Hurricane Idalia. Having rapidly strengthened from …
Winnie (2010 – 2023)
In June of 2013, an Australian Shepherd mix named Molly was discovered at Herding Rescue Dogs of Wyoming (HeRD of WY) by long-time SDF friends Kellee and Tim Matthews. The Matthews’ family own and operate the South Dakota Canine Center in Sturgis and frequently visit neighboring states in search of …
Two SDF-trained Teams Join Search for Missing Hikers in the Catskills
On August 18, 2023, SDF-trained canine search teams Brian Girard & Keila and Brook Rowley & Echo (New York Task Force 2) responded to a report of two hikers lost in the Catskill Mountains. The two missing men, ages 18 and 20, were part of a group of 16 …
Maxim (2009 – 2023)
In February 2011, Maxim was discovered by SDF volunteer Laura Rathe at the Humane Society of Del Norte in Crescent City, CA. Laura and her husband Wayne travel for SDF a couple of times a year to shelters along the Northern California coast and were lucky to come across Maxim …