It’s a story you often hear from us—these dogs are meant to be heroes because of their energy and drive, not in spite of it. You know their stories, but now we’re telling it in a way we never have before.
Meet the canine heroes that stand for every dog we’ve recruited in the last 25 years and those we have yet to discover…
Joining SDF’s training program as an 18-month-old pup, Mattis was surrendered by his former family because he had too much energy and toy drive to be a pet. Rather than take him to a shelter, Mattis’ owners contacted SDF and gave him the opportunity he needed to focus these behaviors and thrive in a career as a search dog. After passing his initial evaluation, Mattis hitched a ride with one of SDF’s recruiters on a cross-country road trip to our campus where he joined our training program and never looked back. Now, Mattis is preparing to graduate in December 2020, and partner with his new handler to help others in the aftermath of disasters.
Chloe had been with a family since she was a puppy but, as she grew, she became “too much dog” for them to handle. They decided to surrender her to Cheyenne Animal Shelter in Wyoming, where she was re-homed with a person with disabilities. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that it was not a good fit due to Chloe’s intense energy and she was surrendered for a second time to the shelter, waiting once again to find her “fur-ever” home. SDF recruiters at the South Dakota Canine Center visited the shelter and immediately noticed this chocolate Labrador Retriever’s insatiable desire for the tennis ball they bounced while walking past her kennel run. The rest is history as she easily passed SDF’s evaluation, completed her search dog training and was partnered with her firefighter-handler, Kiegon List, of Sacramento Metro Fire District in August 2020!
Now, you can help them transform into the heroes they were always meant to be.
From the shelter to the search, sometimes all a dog needs is the opportunity to use her unique abilities for good. Together, we can help them use their innate gifts to help others and be the heroes they were always meant to be. Be the hero they need by making your gift today.
