In 1996, a very special Golden Retriever came into my life. A friend had heard that I was looking for three dogs to start a program of placing professionally trained dogs with volunteer firefighters. “Go check out the local Humane Society,” she said. “There’s a very energetic, high-drive male Golden there who needs a job!”
Harley joined two other rescued Goldens, Ana and Dusty, as part of our Pilot Program. All three were destined to blaze a trail for search dogs nationwide. Their handlers, Rob Cima (Harley), Randy Gross (Dusty), and Rick Lee (Ana), all from the Sacramento area, were as determined a group as one could ask for. Looking back, I think I was excessively serious about our learning effort. I was determined that the Pilot Program prove a success—and it did!
The dust and debris had not settled at the World Trade Center when the Sacramento Task Force was on a plane to New York. Harley, Ana, Dusty and ten SDF canine colleagues were in for one of the biggest tests of their lives. They came through in every way, exceeding all of our expectations.
Life as a disaster search dog has been a fine one for these high-energy pooches. Harley has enjoyed going to work each day with Rob, and is much loved by Rob’s family. Training has been the highlight of his week, and deployments the highlight of his working life. In addition to 9/11, Harley was part of the Hurricane Rita rescue efforts in 2005. He served his community and country well.
To our great sadness, Harley was put to sleep on November 13th after a serious bout with cancer. Losing one of our first dogs is painful to us all. His death is felt throughout the close family that made up his life for the past ten years.
But what a fine life Harley had! I’d like to celebrate the legacy that Harley has left to those that follow. Harley set the bar high. He will always be remembered as a Founding Search Dog—one of the first, the best, and most beloved.