Gemma’s story began when a couple in Alabama bought her, along with another puppy, from a breeder in hopes that they would be family pets. Within months, the two pups landed in Saraland Animal Shelter because they were deemed “too much to handle.”
Luckily, Save a Stray Rescue in Alabama pulled Gemma from the shelter and quickly placed her in a foster home, after the other puppy had already found a new home. Gemma’s good fortune continued as she was fostered by a handler on Alabama Task Force 1 (AL-TF1) who identified Gemma’s potential for a job in urban search and rescue. Gemma’s foster reached out to another handler on AL-TF1, SDF recruiter, Melanie Faulkner who was quick to notice she was a great fit for our program!
In order to get Gemma from Mobile, Alabama to SDF in California, another nonprofit called Pilots N Paws came to her rescue. Pilot Sean Moran volunteered, donating his time and aircraft to transport this small, spirited pup across the country to the local airport in Santa Paula, CA.
“Gemma was a little fireball!” Sean said. “She was full of so much energy, but at the same time was a total sweetheart. Her curiosity also brought her into the cockpit of the plane before we even took off!”
After seven stops from Mobile to Santa Paula, Gemma arrived in sunny California, where her new SDF Family eagerly awaited her arrival.
Once at the NTC, Gemma excelled in our evaluation and showed tremendous potential, wagging her tiny tail as she searched for her toy.
One of the happiest dogs to ever run on rubble, it seems as if Gemma is always happy to see people and do her job with enthusiasm!
“Gemma is truly a ‘gem,’” shares SDF Trainer Katie Brennan, who works with Gemma daily. “She very much likes to engage with anyone and everyone but can become very focused and on task when the time arises.”
Her super social demeanor and cute personality made her a delight to train and she has never met a stranger. This amazing dog and an incredible search dog, who showed tremendous potential at a young age easily flew through her training, graduating on June 28, 2019!
Everyone who meets Gemma loves her and Fidel Gomez of the Tijuana Rescue Squad was no exception. Gemma could be overly excited at certain times—but throughout the Handler’s Course and while working with Fidel, he knew innately how to provide the right amount of support that allowed her to do her job effectively and with confidence. Fidel has been a canine handler since
2003, when he was matched with an Australian Shepherd named Krissy, who looks strikingly similar to Gemma. As his third search dog, Gemma is in good hands to learn the ropes with her handler and will live with Fidel, his wife and three children on a ranch in Tijuana—surrounded by farm animals, including Fidel’s favorite horse, Griselda. It’s no surprise that Gemma was quick to settle into her new home and family. Fidel is an active member of Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3), as well as a lawyer and university professor in Tijuana. Fidel is currently rostered with Search Dog Rosie, who will retire soon, and he and his new partner Gemma will come back to the National Training Center together to continue their training with SDF before their certification.
All the time, resources and people it took to get Gemma from Alabama to SDF, then to become a valuable resource for Fidel Gomez of Tijuana Rescue Squad demonstrate the tremendous dedication required to help dogs fulfill their purpose as canine heroes. We look forward to seeing them bond and work together as they continue on this journey together!
