In May of 2011, Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG) of Santa Barbara, CA contacted SDF’s Canine Recruiter Heidi Miller about a Yellow Lab named Grumps. DAWG had evaluated Grumps’ adoptability when his owners could no longer keep him in their home, and they instantly saw the characteristics that SDF is always looking for.
This beautiful boy had a great disposition. Heidi said she knew right away that this dog had amazing working potential, observing that “He searched tirelessly and never gave up until he found the hidden toy.”
Re-named Gunner by long-time SDF supporter Lynn Loacker, he was a bit sick when he arrived at SDF’s prep kennel. But after a few weeks of nursing and TLC, Gunner was on his way to Sundowners Kennel in Gilroy, CA, and was ready to begin formal training. Trainer Kellee Matthews was a big fan of Gunner’s along the way, saying, “He is a nice, young dog, a serious worker, and on top of his class.”
When he graduated in February of 2012, Gunner was paired with veteran firefighter-handler Alex Mengell of the Alameda County Fire Department and California Task Force 4, based in Oakland. Gunner returned home to join Alex’s family in Northern California, also sharing the home with SDF-trained search dog Nelson, who had retired in January 2012 after an 8-year career with Alex.
In October 2012, Alex and Gunner traveled to Virginia Beach, VA, to be evaluated and achieved FEMA Certification, which allowed them to deploy as needed to assist their community and the nation.
The team deployed on the following missions together:
- October 31, 2020 – Building Explosion – Walnut Creek, CA
- April 11, 2015 – Vehicle Crash – San Leandro, CA
- November 16, 2018 – Camp Fire – Paradise, CA
- May 5, 2020 – Building Explosions – San Leandro, CA
At age 13, Gunner officially retired on July 31, 2023, and remained a “pet” in the Mengell home. He enjoyed a lengthy and very full career at Alex’s side, and we are grateful to them both. We’re told that Gunner enjoyed a relaxing retirement until he peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge on October 3, 2024.
Gunner’s life and career will be honored at SDF’s Canine Memorial Wall in Santa Paula, CA.