K-9 Heroes

IN MEMORIUM OF OUR K-9 HEROES

What is a hero? One definition says:
"someone who faces danger and adversity and displays courage for the greater good of all humanity"
Our K-9 partners work often in adverse conditions. They are at times challenged with tasks most dogs never see in their lifetimes. And they do it without complaint. They work through pain, they work through illness. And even when they are no longer able to, they still want to work. Someone once said that losing your K-9 partner is like losing your heart. It is. Often you'll find a searcher holding onto their dog, comforted by the wonder of that amazing creature who has offered themselves for our greater good. Thank you seems hardly enough, but often, that is all we can say.
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K-9 Rafah was a German Shepherd adopted in 2017. He had to overcome health issues, trauma and abuse experienced before he could start training for SAR. In an amazingly short time of good food and love, he blossomed and took on SAR training with abandonment and joy. Less than a year after his adoption, Rafah certified with Alliance for Emergency Response Instructors & Evaluators (AERIE) for Level 1 and Level 2 Area Search. A few months after that, he certified for Land HRD and Water Recovery with Canine Search Specialists (CSS). However, Just a few searches and a year after that, the trauma experienced in his youth necessitated retirement and in 2021, Rafah lost his battle against the pain. He lived life to its fullest, never giving up, and always with a happy smile.

Thank you Rafah - your joy will be missed.

K-9 Ranger was born on May 8, 2007. Ranger was a Yellow Lab from Sauk River Lab lines. After rehabbing from Triple Pelvic Osteotomy surgery on both hips, he was able to begin his search training. Although he had the nickname of "Ranger Danger", he was really a sweet boy and was able to take direction easily. Ranger earned his first HRD certification from the North American Police Dog Association (NAPWDA) and later with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). He certified under two different handlers during his career. Prior to his retirement, he was able assist in closing a missing person case for law enforcement. Ranger was also certified through Therapy Dogs International and spent his retirement continuing to serve as a therapy dog. Ranger crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 18, 2019.

Thank you Ranger - you served long and well.

K-9 Jael was a German Shepherd born in 2008 who started her SAR career training for Air Scent, however Sharolyn realized Jael's true calling was HRD. By two years of age, she had dual certifications from LETS and North American Police Work Dog Assoc (NAPWDA). Over her lifetime she certified under multiple certifying agencies for land and water HRD, as well as USAR (Disaster), and deployed on many, many searches. She was a workaholic and loved nothing more than to search. During a search in November of 2016, Jael had a fall resulting in multiple medical issues. She still managed to recertify with LETS and make a recovery during that time. However in November of 2017, Jael was lost to us from what was later determined to be a traumatic brain injury from the fall. She spent her entire life doing what she loved to do, and helped bring home the missing multiple times.
Thank you Jael - you were the epitomy of a working dog.

K-9 Ariel was a German Shepherd born in 2002. He earned two different nicknames from his SAR family: Fun Police and His Royal Highness. In reality, Ari could have fun, but he had a strong work ethic, Ari certified in Scent Specific Air Scent, as well as Land and Water Cadaver. Ari was a magnet for children, even those afraid of dogs. In the fall of 2013, Ari experienced liver failure which brought an end to his long career of helping to bring home the missing. During retirement, he still attended training whenever he could; he still loved his job. In February of 2014, Ari was awarded the MVMA Professional Animal of the Year award, and just five short months later, his great heart finally stilled. Ari's most impressive find was in the Boundary Waters, where he located a drowning victim 90 feet below the surface of the water.

Thank you Ari - you will hold a special place always.

K-9 Gus was adopted from HART Humane Society in 2004, and from the start he was a character who won hearts. His nickname was the "Happy Cadaver Dog" because he had a smile as big as the great outdoors on his face when working, but his commitment to his job was extraordinary. He loved doing demos when he was the center of attention, as he was a bit of a ham. In 2010, Gus began having back problems. Although a number of things were attempted to help extend his time with us, in January of 2011, Gus was put to rest, going peacefully in his handler's arms. Gus was only in SAR a few short years, but in that time he worked over 30 searches. The best memorial he received was from Law Enforcement Officers and fireman he worked with who had tears in their eyes when told of of his passing.

Thank you Gus - you are greatly missed.