Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7)
Agency: Sacramento Fire Department
Level: FEMA Certified
Search Dog Info
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Sex: Male
Born: February 11, 2020
Recruited from Domesti-PUPs
Sponsor: Nanci Denney Bergin and Nicole Lallande, Anonymous Donor
Linus’s original owners found themselves in a position where they had to move and could no longer keep him. Instead of surrendering him to a shelter, they donated him to a service dog organization called Domesti-Pups in Lincoln, Nebraska. Linus’s very high energy posed a challenge for service work, so the Domesti-Pups team researched search and rescue groups online and found SDF. Once Linus demonstrated his high toy drive, it was easy to give him a shot in our training program!
Because Linus is so attentive, obedience came easily, and he quickly progressed through his foundational elements. His stable temperament and amiable personality also earned him the role of “helper” for new dogs starting in playgroups. And although this cuddly boy loves carrying his “blankie” around and snuggling, Linus is all business when it comes to working. He has an intense drive and is incredibly athletic, soaring across tricky footing on the rubble and showing off his impressive parkour moves. Trainers say Linus is a powerhouse search dog, but best of all, he has a ton of heart.
On September 24, 2022, Linus was paired with his first responder handler, Patrick Easton of the Sacramento Fire Department, California Task Force 7. As a child, Patrick was inspired by family members in the fire service and knew that he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. After graduating high school, Patrick worked full-time in construction while attending college to pursue a career in firefighting. A twenty-year veteran in the fire service, Patrick heard stories from family members who responded to the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 World Trade Center attack and knew that canine handling would be a part of his future career. He heard about SDF from current and former canine handlers and enrolled in the Handler Training Program.
Upon meeting Linus, Patrick said he was impressed by his abilities in both searching and agility. When one of the trainers remarked how well Linus responded to him, Patrick knew he and Linus would be partners! Linus went home with Patrick shortly after the Eastons lost their beloved dog to cancer, so in addition to being a great partner to Patrick, Linus became a cherished family member and helped to heal the void left by this loss.
After months of hard work, the team achieved FEMA certification in Sacramento on March 9, 2024. This makes them eligible to deploy nationwide with their task force teammates should the need arise.