Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7)
Agency: Cosumnes Fire Department
Level: In training to certify
Search Dog Info
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Sex: Female
Born: January 5, 2023
Recruited from the Bitter Root Humane Association
Sponsor: Julie Croker
Initially aspiring to be a professional baseball player, Justin Quarisa’s trajectory shifted when an injured firefighter-turned-coach introduced him to the fire service. The coach’s stories of camaraderie, teamwork, and the profound impact firefighters have on their communities ignited a new interest in Justin. After a ride-along, he quickly recognized that the sense of family, the opportunity to help others, and the ability to make a tangible difference aligned perfectly with his aspirations. The joy firefighters found in their work solidified his conviction that this was where he belonged.
During a ride-along with the Sacramento City Fire Department, Justin was introduced to SDF and USAR canine handling in 2004 when he met Captain Lee and his Golden Retriever partner, who was trained by SDF. Witnessing the dog’s agility and search skills left a lasting impression, sparking a desire to one day join Task Force 7 as a canine handler. Over the years, Justin’s admiration for the handlers within Task Force 7 grew as he observed their professionalism, dedication, and the exceptional bond they share with their canine partners. Their commitment to continuous training and operational excellence inspired him to follow their example. Justin has always sought to be part of something larger than himself, and the opportunity to work alongside a canine partner to assist others during their most challenging moments is humbling and deeply motivating.
During Justin’s initial visit to SDF during the Handler’s Course, he observed several dogs and their unique abilities and was immediately drawn to Ruffles. She stood out because of her ideal size, boundless energy, and clear, unwavering drive to work. Ruffles’ lack of interest in seeking attention or frills and her singular focus on her job resonated with Justin. Her eagerness to perform and her no-nonsense attitude made it evident that she was a perfect match for the role’s demands—and for him as a partner.
Justin’s immediate goals include achieving his FSA certification, pursuing his CE, enhancing his knowledge through behavior and search theory courses, establishing a consistent training schedule, and building relationships with other handlers. Looking ahead, his long-term vision involves forging a strong bond with his canine partner through consistent training and national/international experiences, visiting a new training site annually, inspiring other firefighters to become handlers as the first from Cosumnes Fire on Task Force 7 with a K9, assisting in program development, contributing to research, and potentially competing in international events, all while aiming to deploy on national or international missions representing Task Force 7.
Ruffles was found as a stray in Abilene, Texas, and placed with All Kind Animal Initiative, where, due to capacity challenges, she was placed on their “urgent” list. During a PetSmart Charities‘ National Adoption Week event, Ruffles’ friendly demeanor toward people and other dogs earned her an invitation to accompany a representative, Kerri Burrows, who met Ruffles during a shelter visit. Kerri decided to engage in a game of fetch to help Ruffles burn some energy beforehand and noticed Ruffles’ very high toy drive and love for the game. This same energy, however, did not spark any interest at the adoption event, so Ruffles was returned to the shelter. After some online research in hopes of finding a suitable job for Ruffles, Kerri discovered SDF’s website and completed the dog referral form.
Considering Ruffles’ urgent status at the shelter, time was of the essence. Shelter staff began testing Ruffles with guidance from SDF when an opportunity presented that would allow Ruffles to be transferred to one of the shelter’s partners, Bitter Root Humane Association, located in Hamilton, Montana. SDF was notified of this opportunity to help keep Ruffles safe and assured the shelter that we would not give up on her. Within a few days of settling into her new environment in Montana, Ruffles was ready to play ball with her new people and quickly proved her potential as a working dog candidate for SDF.
As a new freshman, cute little Ruffles charmed staff with her spunk and drive. She learned to bark for her toy in no time and moved on to searching three barrels and then large barrel fields, learning to range out to find the victim. Flying through her search training, Ruffles quickly moved through her skill proficiencies, even acing distractions and searching with tenacity and determination every time. Unsurprisingly, she also picked up other elements quickly and continued to rocket through her training.
This little gal catches the eye of everyone around her, and no one can help but watch in awe as she works. Ruffles was truly meant to dedicate her drive to a job she loves, and we are ecstatic to see her excel in USAR. Ruffles was paired with Justin Quarisa of California Task Force 7 on April 5, 2025.