Disasters, no matter how big or small, won’t stop—even during a pandemic—and neither will we.
Recruiting and rescuing dogs to train to become rescuers alongside first responders is no easy task, and this year has been no exception due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
It’s just one more reason why we are so proud to introduce the five newest search teams to join our national roster:
CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE 2
John Paul “JP” Hilsabeck & Bond (Los Angeles County Fire Department/California Task Force 2)
Nick Medina & Mattis (Los Angeles County Fire Department/California Task Force 2)
CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE 4
Erik Falkenstrom & Leslie (San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District/California Task Force 4)
Brian Medley & Navy (San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District/California Task Force 4)
Tony Vasta & Bonus (Contra Costa County Fire Protection District/California Task Force 4)
Watch our Handler Course and Search Team Graduation Ceremony video here and see photos of graduation below!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pog1kfPnL2g[/embedyt]
These teams observed strict physical distancing and personal protection equipment protocols during our intensive two-week Handler Course, gaining invaluable experience they will utilize throughout their careers together.
Now, they join the ranks of two- and four-legged heroes across the country who are ready to search for survivors in the aftermath of a disaster. In the next year, each handler and search dog will work together every day, honing their skills, growing their incredible bond, and preparing for certification to make them deployable with their fire departments and task forces.
And we have YOU to thank for helping to make it all “paws-ible.”
Through it all, we know that, although physically apart, we are resilient and so much stronger together—a dedicated community joining forces to help animals and humans in their time of greatest need.
Thank you to the following folks for helping us form these pairings:
- Ann Cooluris for generously sponsoring the graduation ceremony and two-week Handler Course in support of these five canine disaster search teams, as well as Search Dogs Bond and Bonus.
- Dogs For Better Lives in Oregon for donating Bond and Bonus.
- Eric Darling for transporting Search Dogs Bond and Bonus.
- Stephanie and Emily Kaiser for donating Search Dog Leslie.
- The Darling Family and the Tisdale Family for fostering Search Dog Leslie.
- Lynn Ann Casey and the team at Arc Aspicio for sponsoring Search Dog Leslie.
- Charlie Freeman for recruiting Search Dog Mattis.
- Holley Murray for transporting Search Dog Mattis.
- Carol George and Roger Stewart for sponsoring Search Dog Mattis.
- Alert Dogs for Life for donating Search Dog Navy.
- Tim Turpin for transporting Search Dog Navy.
- The Joel and Dena Gambord Family for sponsoring Search Dog Navy, joining the additional 25 search dogs sponsored by this generous family.
