Team Info
Task Force: Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3)
Agency: Tijuana Fire
Level: State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) Type I Certified equivalent
Search Dog Info
Breed: German Shepherd mix
Sex: Male
Born: June 1, 2017
Recruited from: Van Der Linden K9
Recruited by: Kirsten Fulk
Sponsors: Julie Croker
Montecito has transformed from a dog afraid and unwilling to connect with humans to one who will save people trapped alive in the wake of disasters. Monte’s (as he’s affectionately called) rescued to rescuer story began in Oregon as part of a pack of dogs living near an abandoned house. The dogs were rescued by dog trainer Katrina Van Der Linden who quickly noticed Monte’s high toy drive and evaluated him for SDF’s program. Slowly, he learned to not only trust humans but to love them! Throughout the training program, Monte really bonded with his trainers. His confidence on the rubble pile when searching is impressive—this boy knows his job and is great at it! He did very well in his training, gaining confidence and always ready to work for his beloved toy. Monte bonds super tight with his people and loves to work for them. From the start, Montecito found a trusted friend in his new handler, Luis Garcia, a firefighter with the Tijuana Fire Department who is a member of Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3). Luis’s first search dog was Jazz, who he was partnered with in 2003. Luis is currently an active handler of search dog Maxim, making Montecito his third SDF dog! Luis is also an instructor to newer firefighters back in Tijuana. The two worked well together and in no time, Monte could understand his commands in both English and Spanish! Back in Mexico, Montecito is adapting well to his new life and we look forward to seeing Luis and Monte soon when they return to the NTC for training and workshops as they prepare for certification!