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.

K-9 Gus was adopted from HART Humane Society in Brainerd, MN.  From the start he was a character who won hearts just by being himself.  Gus, although clearly a mutt, developed his own fan club at AKC shows.  People would come to the CLSAR booth just to see him.  His nickname was the "Happy Cadaver Dog" because when he was working, he had a smile as big as the great outdoors on his face.  He was always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but when he was working, his commitment to his job was extraordinary.  He loved doing demos when he was the center of attention, and yes, he was a bit of a ham.  In 2010, Gus began having physical 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 my arms.  Gus was only in SAR a few short years, but in that time he worked on just over 30 searches, gave many demos, and won many hearts.  The best memorial he received was from the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen he worked with who had tears in their eyes when told of his passing.                      Thank you Gus - you are greatly missed.

Send mail to owner@centrallakessar.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/07/13