A true hero was memorialized on Saturday, January 29, 2005, among a devoted group of firefighters and their canine partners. Harry, one of SDF’s most beloved Search Dogs, had died quietly and unexpectedly in his sleep a few days earlier. According to Harry’s veterinarian, his heart just stopped—like a top high school athlete suddenly collapsing on the field.
During Harry’s four short years of life he proved himself to be a tireless worker and devoted partner to SDF handler Russell Tao, a firefighter with the Montebello Fire Department. Just the week before his death, he and Russell had completed a grueling three-day search for victims of the tragic La Conchita, California mudslides.
Widely covered by the media, Harry’s memorial service included twenty SDF handlers and their dogs, SDF Prep Home families, representatives from Guide Dogs of America, local wilderness teams, and a host of friends and supporters. All paid tribute to this remarkable team.
In the tradition of fire departments, when a firefighter passes away an alarm sounds, signifying the firefighter’s “last call”. In keeping with this custom, at 11:15 a.m. on the day of the memorial, canine-firefighter teams across the country blew the recall command on their whistles or called out “Harry, here!” This was Harry’s “last recall”. At the highly emotional service, Harry was eulogized, prayers were said and, as bagpipers played Amazing Grace, the firefighters and their dogs formed a touching processional. Russell gently draped Harry’s leash and collar on the corner of his cherished partner’s photo.
Harry’s life began with the Guide Dogs of America. Although initially bred to work with the blind, it soon became apparent that Harry was much too energetic for this type of work. His strong play/prey drive made him a perfect candidate for search and rescue, and SDF was alerted.
SDF Founder Wilma Melville’s late husband John and a young neighbor, Nathan Henson, raised Harry together, and named him after the Melville’s third son. Harry was such a quick learner that after only four months with John and Nathan he set off for SDF’s six-month professional training course at Sundowners Kennel in Gilroy, CA.
Harry was the youngest dog to ever go through the rigorous program and he rose to the occasion with gusto! He matured rapidly, became strong and agile, while keeping a very gentle nature. After being partnered with Russell, the team attained FEMA Advanced Certification. During their time together the pair shared truly life-altering experiences. In addition to their search work at the mudslides in La Conchita, Russell and Harry were deployed to the Waterman Canyon mudslide in San Bernardino County and the City of Commerce Train Derailment in 2003.
From the very beginning of their extraordinary partnership, Harry and Russell were inseparable. They lived and worked side-by-side, 24/7, sharing both tragedies and happy, carefree times. Harry will always be remembered for his contribution as a Disaster Search Dog, and for the spirit and unbridled enthusiasm he brought to the job. Although Russell is grieving now, he cannot imagine his life without having a canine partner. When the time is right, he will be paired with another SDF search dog to continue with the vital work that is theirs, bringing comfort and hope to disaster victims and their loved ones.
On hearing the news of Harry’s death, Russell was deluged with condolence messages. Here are just a few of the many heartfelt words that speak volumes of the impact Harry made on so many lives:
You and Harry were such a team—my heart goes out to you. Harry did such a great job in La Conchita. I enjoyed watching you guys grow as a team. I know only too well the loss you are feeling and the big emptiness you feel whenever you go anywhere you used to go with Harry. Remember that our loved ones live forever through the memories we hold in our hearts. They can never be taken away. You were the best partner Harry could have asked for and you were a great “dad” to him. God bless, and again my heart and prayers are with you.
— Carrie Henger, SDF handler, L.A. County Fire Department
From everyone here at Guide Dogs of America, our deepest sympathy and all of our love to you and your family. We will always keep Harry in our hearts—he is part of our extended family and a very lucky boy to have spent his life with you doing amazing work.
— Kellee Matthews, Director of Animal Health, Guide Dogs of America
Miki Klocke, Liz Harward, Linda Anderson and I picked Harry and his siblings out of their litter when they were about seven weeks old. It was a great joy to see Harry grow with the guidance of John Melville and Nathan. Our weekly gatherings of the “chocolate puppies” were a high-octane gas, with many laughs and smiles. It occurs to me that Mr. Harry had a regrettably short yet extremely rich life that was crowned by getting to do the work he was born to do with you at La Conchita last week. My husband Tom and I send you our deepest regrets; our thoughts are with you.
— Bo Stevenson Harper, SDF Canine Prep Home “Mom” to Harry’s brother, Hobbes