Ripley was originally slated for a career as a service dog with Canines for Service in North Carolina, but his energy levels were far higher than those of an ideal candidate for their program. His trainer happened to be a former canine handler with NY-TF1, so he was familiar with the traits SDF looks for in potential canine candidates and recognized some of those traits in Ripley. Canines for Service reached out to SDF to see if Ripley might be a good fit for our program, and before long, he was aboard the Four-Legged Kids Bus on his way to SDF!
Prior to being tested for our program, Ripley had never been exposed to toys, so when he discovered the joys of playing fetch and hunting for the toy during his evaluation, he was thrilled, to say the least! He searched for his toys with enthusiasm, but when it came time to test on the rubble, he showed some concern. Disaster search dogs need to be comfortable traversing a wide range of surfaces, so we began considering other options for Ripley. Due to his friendly, playful nature, we felt that he would be happiest in an active home, and we got to work finding Ripley his perfect match.
Luckily, it wasn’t long before this sweet, handsome boy caught the interest of SDF handler and Chula Vista Fire Department first responder Clint Schepe of CA-TF8! In January of this year, Clint and his family welcomed Ripley into their hearts and Southern California ranch home, where Ripley (nicknamed “Rip”) joined SDF Search Dog Georgia, two other working dog sisters, chicken and horse friends, and a cat brother named Whiskey. He also has a human brother named Blake, who fell in love with Ripley the moment he met him, and was over the moon when he learned that Ripley would be going home with them for good!
Ripley’s family reports that this happy, social pup is fitting right in with his new pack—he loves his dog siblings, doesn’t bother Whiskey the cat, and never ruffles his chicken friends’ feathers. In the words of his mom, he’s been a perfect gentleman! Ripley quickly discovered that life on the ranch is a ton of fun. He loves to romp around with his three dog siblings, experienced snow for the first time this winter and even learned to swim, which comes in handy since there’s a nearby pond that the dogs love to swim in. Sounds like doggy paradise to us!
He and his big brother Blake are tight as can be; wherever you find Blake, you’re likely to find Ripley, too! Blake has been doing a great job teaching Rip tricks and commands, and at night, Ripley sleeps in a big, cozy dog bed in his big bro’s room. Blake says, “There is no dog quite as unique as my dog, Rip. He is sweet, friendly, and curious. He loves to grab his food bowl, bring it to me, and grab a treat. I love how he plays ball with me, hangs out with me, and will watch a movie next to me. Even though my Rip is a purebred Lab, I am teaching him how to swim in my pond. He is getting better every day! He is my best friend and always will be.” Is there anything sweeter than a boy and his dog? We think not!
We’re so happy for Ripley and his family, and we know that this is just the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories that have yet to be made. We can’t wait to follow along with all of Rip’s fun adventures to come!
Click here to learn more about our Canine Placement Program!