K-9 Search and Rescue
Training dogs for Search and Rescue and Search and Recovery has been one of the most rewarding things we have ever done. The joy of helping others, combined with the joy of working with your dog, is very fulfilling.
It does however, require a lot of time, money and effort and should not be undertaken lightly. Not every dog is suitable for search work. This is not competition agility, shutzhund or obedience. Someone's life could depend on your actions and those of your dog. If you are interested in joining a Search and Rescue team, you may contact the National Association for Search and Rescue for more information on a team near you.
Jen has been active in SAR since 2002. She works Kona in cadaver, wilderness and disaster and trained Beryl for disaster before retiring her to the breeding program to produce future SAR canidates. She is now also training two new dogs, Hilo and Jada.
Since 2002, Jen has...
- Certified Kona in Wilderness and Human Remains Detection
- Trained and has experience in: Wilderness SAR, Disaster, Land and Water Cadaver ( above ground, buried, building, fresh and aged, disarticulated remains.)
- Worked with law enforcement and emergency services agencies on searches on both the local and state (DE, MD, MS) level. New Castle County Police, DE State Police, MD State Police and MD Natural Resources Police, Bay St. Louis, MS Fire Company.
Seminars/Courses attended
- MD SAREX 2003
- Crime Scene Preservation (Jonni Joyce, instructor) 7/04
- Basic Cadaver Course (Jonni Joyce, instructor) 16hrs. 7/04
- National Association for Search and Rescue Conference 2004
- MD SAREX 2004
Memberships
- Member of the National Association for Search and Rescue
- Former member of Bay Area Recovery Canines
- Former member and vice-president of East Coast K-9 Search and Rescue
Class instructor/presenter
- Presenter of " Lost But Found, Safe And Sound", an interactive program using the Search and Rescue K-9's to help provide parents and children with information about staying safe in the outdoors and what to do if you become lost.
- Assistant Cadaver Instructor for Beginning and Advanced Cadaver course at the 2005 Delaware SAREX.
For Kona, my partner, who continues to inspire and overwhelm me with her willingness, ability and heart. I am blessed to have such an incredible friend by my side.
The Search Dog
Listening not breathing
Poised for flight
Waiting intensely
Eyes shining bright
Then with one word
Exploding away
Joyful with purpose
Leading the way
Through thicket and bramble
Over rubble and ravine
With courage and heart
Not commonly seen
Paying no heed
To darkness or rain
Pausing but briefly
For exhaustion or pain
Stuggling ever onward
Until when at last
The lift of a head
Starts hearts beating fast
Face to the wind
Gone like a shot
The goal now in sight
Tiredness forgot
Euphoric reward
For sweetest success
The lost become found
The weary may rest