American Patriot K9 Search Team

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

This week is National Search and Rescue Awareness Week — a time to recognize the dedicated volunteers and professionals who respond when others are lost, missing, or in need of help.

Search and Rescue teams train countless hours, work in difficult conditions, and stand ready at any hour to serve their communities. Every role within these organizations is important in bringing people home safely.

Thank you to all Search and Rescue personnel across the country for your commitment, sacrifice, and service. Stay safe, and thank you for all you do. 🧡

05/13/2026

I think one reason handlers sometimes resist working on foundations is that it can feel like taking a step backward.

But very often, it is exactly the opposite.

When a team goes back and strengthens a weaker supporting skill, the upper level work often becomes easier and more productive. That is not regression. That is just good training.

Upper-level issues can reveal gaps in early training. When they happen, it can be frustrating. It can also be helpful because it shows where the dog needs more understanding and where the handler needs a better roadmap.

Sometimes the smartest thing we can do is stop trying to make our training harder. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves which earlier skill could make our performance better.

Have you ever had a later challenge reveal an earlier gap?



https://scentsabilitiesnw.com/

05/12/2026

🚨 WHAT TO DO IF A LOVED ONE GOES MISSING 🚨

The first few hours are critical. If someone is missing:

• Call 911 immediately — do not wait
• Provide the last known location and time seen
• Gather recent photos and clothing descriptions
• Preserve scent items like unwashed clothing or pillowcases
• Share medical conditions, behaviors, routines, or places they may go
• Avoid large uncontrolled search parties that may disturb clues or scent trails

Information that helps Search & Rescue teams most:

✅ Accurate timeline
✅ Last known location
✅ Recent photos
✅ Scent articles
✅ Medical/cognitive concerns
✅ Vehicle or phone/GPS information

Quick action and accurate information can make all the difference.

05/10/2026

🌸🐾 Happy Mother’s Day from American Patriot K9 Search Team! 🐾🌸

Today we honor all the incredible moms — the ones who nurture, protect, guide, and support their families every single day. Whether you’re a mother to children, K9 partners, or both, your strength and dedication never go unnoticed.

To the moms who answer calls at all hours, volunteer their time, train tirelessly, and still make time for their loved ones — thank you. Your compassion and resilience inspire us every day.

From all of us at American Patriot K9 Search Team, we wish you a day filled with love, appreciation, and well-deserved recognition. ❤️🇺🇸🐕

Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷

05/01/2026

What people don’t always see in Search and Rescue are the untold stories.

Not every search gets posted.
Not every call makes the news.
Not every mission has a missing persons flyer shared across social media.

But they happen—every single week.

There are long nights, early mornings, miles of rough terrain, and K9s working until they’re exhausted. There are families waiting, teams searching, and quiet moments where everything we do matters more than anything we could ever post.

The reality is, some of our most important work can’t be shared. Not every family wants their worst day put online—and we respect that.

We live in a world where people want to see proof. Photos. Videos. Stories.

But in Search and Rescue, the absence of a post doesn’t mean the absence of work.

It just means we’re doing our job.

If you choose to support us, you’re not just supporting what you see—you’re supporting everything you don’t.

The calls that never get posted.
The searches that stay private.
The work that happens quietly, without recognition.

And we’ll keep showing up—whether anyone is watching or not.

Until They All Come Home

-Nathan Justice Founder & CEO

04/29/2026

🌸🐾 Spring Safety Reminder from American Patriot K9 Search Team 🐾🌸

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors training, working, and enjoying the season, it’s important to stay alert to springtime hazards—for both our handlers and our K9 partners.

🌦️ Unpredictable Weather: Spring storms can roll in quickly, bringing lightning, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Always check the forecast before heading out, have a weather plan in place, and know when to call it for safety.

🦟 Insects & Parasites: Ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas are becoming more active. These pests can carry diseases that impact both humans and dogs. Use proper preventatives, check your K9 thoroughly after every outing, and stay up to date on vaccinations.

🐍 Wildlife Encounters: Warmer temperatures mean snakes and other wildlife are on the move. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in tall grass, wooded areas, and near water. Training for avoidance and maintaining strong obedience can make all the difference.

🌱 Environmental Hazards: Muddy terrain, rising water levels, and hidden debris can pose risks during searches and training. Watch your footing and your dog’s movement to prevent injuries.

☀️ Heat Awareness: Even mild spring days can lead to overheating during intense work. Bring plenty of water, take breaks, and monitor your K9 for signs of heat stress.

Spring is a great time to get out and train—but preparation and awareness keep everyone safe. Stay sharp, stay ready, and take care of your team—two-legged and four-legged alike.

🇺🇸🐕‍🦺

04/24/2026

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: K9 RAVEN 9yr old Doberman Pinscher Specializing tracking/trailing and human remains detection, she demonstrates calm, focused, consistent reliability and performance in training and on deployments. Certified three times with IPWDA, along with in-group certifications with two separate teams, she and handler Candace are dedicated to helping bring answers to families in need. After a long day K9 Raven enjoys her squeaky toys, tugs and to finally snuggle into her favorite plush bed and get massages from mom.

04/22/2026

K-9 Luca’s handler found him in respiratory distress and vomiting. https://tinyurl.com/yznspwbh