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: Australian Shepherd
Sex: Female
Born: November 13, 2017
Recruited from: Save A Stray Rescue in Mobile, Alabama
Recruited by: Melanie Faulkner
Sponsored by: Carol George
Gemma is an amazing dog and an incredible search dog, who showed tremendous potential at a young age! Her journey to becoming a rescuer partnered with Fidel Gomez of Tijuana Rescue Squad was made possible thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers and trainers—from Save a Stray Rescue in Mobile, Alabama to recruiter Rachel Leard, Sean Moran of Pilots and Paws to staff and volunteers at SDF. Her super social demeanor and cute personality made her a delight to train and she has never met a stranger. Everyone who meets Gemma loves her and Fidel Gomez of the Tijuana Rescue Squad was no exception. Gemma could be overly excited at certain times—but throughout the Handler’s Course and while working with Fidel, he knew innately how to provide the right amount of support that allowed her to do her job effectively and with confidence. Fidel has been a canine handler since 2003, when he was matched with an Australian Shepherd named Krissy, who looks strikingly similar to Gemma. As his third search dog, Gemma is in good hands to learn the ropes with her handler and will live with Fidel, his wife and three children on a ranch in Tijuana—surrounded by farm animals, including Fidel’s favorite horse, Griselda. It’s no surprise that Gemma was quick to settle into her new home and family. Fidel is an active member of Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3), as well as a lawyer and university professor in Tijuana. Fidel is currently rostered with Search Dog Rosie, who will retire soon, and he and his new partner Gemma will come back to the National Training Center together to continue their training with SDF before their certification. We look forward to seeing them bond and work together as they continue on this journey together!