Charity Carlson had raised service dogs for the disabled for many years. While she loved training service dogs and planned to continue this work, she was looking for something more challenging to do in 2003.
She contacted the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) to inquire about becoming a Prep Home volunteer, and her wish to be challenged was answered by a two-month-old Border Collie named Comet.
Comet had been donated to SDF by Deresa Teller, an SDF Search Dog handler, who had also donated Comet’s sister, Gypsy. From the very first day, Charity realized how training a dog for SDF was very different from training other service dogs. Service dogs generally are very mellow and quiet, while a Search Dog candidate is quite the opposite!
Charity said Comet was extremely persistent, but also exceptionally smart and loyal. Charity had her work cut out for her. She needed to adapt her approach to training in a manner that would appeal to Comet’s personality and the type of work he would be performing as a Search Dog. He immediately enjoyed being cared for by Charity and quickly learned basic commands and social skills.
Charity would take Comet to the playground to practice his agility skills and the moment he saw the playground equipment, he was in his element. He acted as though the jungle gym was created for dogs. He would climb ladders, balance himself on beams, and go down the slide non-stop. Charity said of Comet, “He would do anything I asked. He is a quick learner and full of energy!”
At four months of age, Comet earned the nickname “Cat Dog.” Comet took the skills he honed on the playground equipment and used them around the house in a catlike manner. While a friend of Charity’s was dog-sitting Comet, she placed his squeeze toy on top of three stacked crates. Comet decided he wanted his toy so he promptly hopped on the couch, walked gingerly across the windowsill, scaled the crates, retrieved the toy, and jumped down. Charity had to laugh when she heard the story, because that was just like Comet!
Comet was the gratifying challenge Charity had been looking for. She was so proud of all that Comet had learned in his seven months with her. She also learned a lot from him.
At nine months, stronger and even more determined than when he had come to Charity, Comet moved on to Sundowners Kennel in Gilroy, CA, where he completed his formal training under SDF Trainers at the time, Pluis and Kate Davern.
The following year, in May of 2006, Comet was paired with Firefighter-Handler Michele Vaughn of the Salinas Fire Department! Michele and Comet worked hard and trained daily as members of California Task Force 4, based in Oakland.
In November of 2007, Michele and Comet achieved their advanced (Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Certification, which would enable them to deploy in the event that disaster struck. This enabled them to respond to disasters such as the aftermath of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in 2008. In October of 2010, Michele and Comet passed the FEMA Re-certification in order to maintain their deployment-ready status.
When this last certification expired on October 9, 2013, Michele decided it was time to retired Comet at the age of 10. Michele conveyed her feelings to her training group leader, “I have had an excellent time participating with the team and have learned a lot. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity and experience. I wish the team continued success and know I will read and hear about the good work being done.”
Comet enjoyedlife as a family pet in Michele’s Northern Californiahome for a number of years until, at the age of 14, he peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Michele had touching words to say in honor of her partner, “I cannot express in words the gratitude I have for having the opportunity to know this dog, let alone be his handler. I met people and did things I would have never got to do because of Comet. I have developed life-long incredible friendships with people because of Comet. He taught me things about search and rescue and well just life in general…. hard to believe a dog could do all that. He humbled me every day because of his honesty, sweetness and intelligence.
“He made me feel like his special person. I will forever miss him. Watching him work a rubble pile, his hilarious howl at sirens as he would ride in the fire engine with us, his knack for connecting with all people he came into contact with, the list goes on….some of my most amazing lifetime memories involve my man in a fur suit, it for sure a love affair! Thank you Comet and thank you all for having a part in making our bond and relationship what it was.
“Cheers to Comet! Never to be forgotten.”
In order to ensure that Comet’s legacy is remembered for years to come, he will be honored with a place at SDF’s Canine Memorial Wall. We’ll miss you, Comet. Thank you for your service, commitment and love!