National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

06/06/2026

Today is and here at SDF we're lucky to have many beautiful hiking trails on and around our 145-acre campus! ⛰️ Hitting the trails for some fresh air and exercise is a favorite enrichment activity around here for dogs and humans alike—in addition to the physical benefits, getting outdoors allows both person and pup to destress and decompress from the day, and can even be a great bonding experience! 🐾

So if you're looking for a fun and beneficial activity you and your dog can do together, look no further than your local trails—just remember to check that the area is dog-friendly, keep an eye out for foxtails and local wildlife, and don't forget to bring plenty of water, snacks and doggy bags! Happy hiking! 🌲🥾

06/05/2026

🌈💔 We are heartbroken to share that retired Search Dog Ivan has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

When a breeder had an accidental litter, Ivan was taken in by a canine enthusiast who then gifted him to a friend who wanted a dog of their own. However, Ivan proved to be a lot for the average pet owner to handle, so Ivan was returned, and it soon became clear that he was going to need a job to keep him happy and fulfilled.

An SDF trainer was leading a Drive and Decoy workshop when she spotted Ivan, who she could tell right away had incredible drive. She believed that Ivan had potential as a search dog, and Ivan's caretaker agreed. Before long, Ivan was on his way to the NTC to begin his formal training. His canine trainers soon discovered that Ivan was carefree, full of joy, and loved to play in water. He also had a wonderful, sweet temperament—he knew when it was time to work, but had an amazing off switch when it was time to settle down.

In August 2014, Ivan graduated and was partnered with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Kristi Bartlett, and together the pair achieved certification with Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue. Together, the team responded to Hurricanes Irma, Maria, Idalia, and Helene, as well as the 2021 Haiti earthquake and a missing person search. Additionally, the team deployed to Türkiye in 2023, as members of USA-1 to aid rescue efforts in the wake of the deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region.

Ivan officially retired from the task force in November 2022, and remained a beloved family member in the Bartlett home in his retirement years. On April 20, 2026, Ivan crossed the Rainbow Bridge with his best friend and partner Kristi by his side. Anyone who knew Ivan knew what a special guy he was, and he will be missed dearly by all those whose lives he touched. Ivan's life and dedicated service will be honored at our Canine Memorial Wall. ❤️

🕊️ You can read more about Ivan here: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/rainbowbridge/?mgi_256=25206/ivan-2012-2026

06/04/2026

📣 Calling all prospective adopters interested in welcoming a high-drive dog into your active home—meet Georgia, available for adoption or career placement through SDF's Canine Placement Program!

Georgia is two years old, 51 lbs, and the sweetest girl we ever did meet! Georgia loves to play and snuggle with her favorite blankets and stuffies, but more than that, she absolutely ADORES her humans and wants to go everywhere and do everything together! This friendly girl also enjoys romping around with her dog pals in doggy playgroup, and we think she would do well with (and quite enjoy!) another dog in the household. Georgia would no doubt thrive in an active pet or sport home where she can join in her favorite humans' adventures, though with her drive and eagerness to please, she's also a strong candidate for a low-impact detection career. Wherever Georgia's path takes her, one thing is certain: this adorable, bubbly girl is bound to steal hearts wherever she goes!

Our Canine Placement Program promises a lifetime of love and care to every dog rescued by SDF, and ensures every dog is carefully matched with a home or career that's a great fit for their unique personality. ❤️

Head to our website (linked below) to get to know Georgia and other great dogs available for placement, or tap "Apply Today!" to submit an application—your new best friend can't wait to meet you! 🐾

https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/canine-placement-program/?mgi_326=64425/georgia

06/02/2026

Best birthday wishes to Search Dog GOLDIE! 💖✨ As a puppy, Goldie was adopted by a young couple who were hoping for a mellow yellow Lab. However, while Goldie is a yellow Lab, she's about as far from mellow as one can be! 😅 Her family tried to rein in her wild energy, but with a baby on the way, they knew they would need to find a new placement for Goldie—one that would be able to provide an outlet for her seemingly endless energy. Goldie was listed for adoption in a local paper, and as luck would have it, an SDF recruiter noticed the ad and reached out! Before long, Goldie was aboard the Four-Legged Kids Bus on her way to SDF! 🚌

Upon Goldie's arrival, we were immediately charmed by this gorgeous girl and her sweet, spunky, outgoing, lovable personality. 🥰 Once she began her formal training, it didn't take long before 'talented working dog' was added to her list of accolades—she's a rockstar on the rubble, navigating the pile with laser-focused precision and drive! 🎯

In May 2024, Goldie graduated and was partnered with Trinity Maurer of Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team, and together the pair achieved certification with VA-TF2, enabling them to deploy with their task force when disaster strikes. ⛑️ In April of this year, Goldie and Trinity embarked on their first mission when a building collapsed in Newport News, VA. The team conducted a thorough search of the structure, and ensured that no one was missing or injured! 🙌 Happy birthday Goldie—we hope you get all the cuddles and pampering you want today! 👑💗

06/01/2026

A very happy birthday to Search Dog MONTECITO—or Monte for short! 🥳❤️ Monte was part of a pack of stray dogs that was living near an abandoned property, when a resident of the neighborhood—who happened to be a rescue volunteer—noticed the dogs and began reaching out to people in her network to help rescue the dogs. After the pack was rescued, Monte's caretaker saw his intense toy drive, evaluated him for SDF's program, and determined that he had the right traits for the job! ✔️

Monte was originally hesitant to engage with humans, but slowly he came to trust and love people, bonding strongly with his trainers throughout his time in the program. 💕 This once timid boy thrived in his training, gaining confidence on the rubble pile and mastering each new skill with enthusiasm. 🙌

Monte gravitated toward Dirección de Bomberos Tijuana firefighter Luis Garcia from the start, so it was no surprise when this dynamic duo was officially partnered in June 2019, upon Monte's graduation. 🤝 Monte and Luis work side-by-side as members of USAR Baja California FT-BC-3, and together, this hardworking team has deployed an impressive 11 times together. 💪 Monte also has a special skill: he's bilingual, as Luis communicates with him in both English and Spanish! Feliz cumpleaños, Monte! 🎉🎂

05/31/2026

For 30 years, you've helped make our mission possible. 🫶

From the very beginning, SDF's lifesaving work has been driven by people who believed in the power of second chances, and the importance of strengthening disaster response. The incredible support of our community has empowered us to change countless lives over the past 30 years, and together, we look forward to 30 more years of impact!

THANK YOU for being part of the search! 🐾

Be part of the next 30 years: www.searchdogfoundation.org/sdf30/

05/30/2026

🌈💔 We are deeply saddened to share that Search Dog Cole has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Cole—originally named Bouncer—was picked up as a stray after he was discovered playing with chickens in a chicken coop, and was brought to El Dorado County Animal Services - West Slope Shelter in Placerville, CA. There, shelter staff took note of his high energy and drive, suspecting he may be a good fit for SDF's program. An initial evaluation was conducted, and it was determined that this energetic, toy-driven boy indeed fit the bill for a career as a search dog.

"Bouncer" made his way to our training center, where he was renamed Cole in honor of long-time SDF supporters, John and Carol Marengo. Here, he proved to be an incredibly fast learner, and thrived in all aspects of his training. One of Cole's trainers summed it up perfectly when she said, "He is such an amazing boy. His ability to search is exceptional. This boy puts everything into it and genuinely enjoys his job."

In 2013, Cole graduated and was partnered with Roxanne Bauman, a firefighter and paramedic with Layton City Fire. The team trained rigorously and achieved certification with Utah Task Force 1 Utah Task Force K9’s, making Cole the first FEMA-certified canine in their county. Together, they responded to several disasters, including a flood, a fire, and Hurricanes Harvey and Laura.

At 14 years old, a mass was discovered in Cole's heart, and Roxanne knew that it was time to say goodbye. On May 6, 2026, Cole crossed the Rainbow Bridge with his best friend and partner by his side. Cole was deeply loved, and will be sorely missed. We thank Cole for his service, and will honor his life and legacy at our Canine Memorial Wall. ❤️

🕊️ You can read more about Cole here: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/rainbowbridge/?mgi_256=25196/cole-2012-2026

05/29/2026

🚨 DEPLOYMENT REPORT: Lancaster Structure Fire

On Tuesday morning at approximately 12:30 AM, a second-alarm commercial building fire broke out in Lancaster, California.

Following the initial emergency response, Human Remains Detection (HRD) canine teams were called to the scene to assist local officials with recovery efforts. SDF-trained teams Nick Bartel & Six and Jonathan Munguia & Clifford of the Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed to the site and conducted a secondary search, confirming that no one was left behind.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and swift action of these canine teams, who work tirelessly to train to be prepared to support their community in the wake of disasters, no matter how big or small. ❤️

🐾 To learn more about the boots and paws on the ground in Lancaster, head to

Human Remains Detection canine teams were called to the scene after a severe second-alarm multi-structure commercial building fire broke out in Lancaster, California.

05/28/2026

🌈💔 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Search Dog Keila has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

When an SDF recruiter stopped at Brightside Animal Center in Oregon, she knew she had hit the jackpot. The behaviorist at Brightside mentioned they had a dog named Keila who wasn't up for adoption since she was too driven for the average household, but she hoped Keila would be a good fit for our program. Boy, was she ever! SDF adopted Keila on the spot and brought her back to California to begin her training.

Initially, Keila would get so excited that she couldn't focus on her training. However, once she had settled in and adapted to her new environment, she gave it another go, and this time she awed everyone with her drive and determination! From that point forward, Keila demonstrated the intelligence, athletic ability, and sweet nature that make the ideal search dog.

In May 2016, Keila graduated and was paired with Brian Girard of the NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control (OFPC). Just days into training together, Keila made it very clear that Brian was the one she wanted to work with, and following graduation, she made the trip home to Albany to be Brian's loyal partner and teammate. Building on their inseparable bond, the pair continued to hone their search skills, and together they achieved certification with NY-TF2. In total, Keila and Brian deployed an incredible 26 times as a team, including several hurricanes, missing person searches, and structure collapses, flooding, an explosion, and a blizzard.

On May 6, 2026, Keila crossed the Rainbow Bridge with Brian by her side. Keila made a difference in the lives of so many, and will be deeply missed. Her life and dedicated service to her community and the nation will be honored at our Canine Memorial Wall. ❤️

🕊️ You can read more about Keila here: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/rainbowbridge/?mgi_256=25162/keila-2013-2026