TRACE - Tracking, Recon, Aerial & Canine Exploration

09/11/2026

Big News for TRACE! 🐾

We are officially an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity! 🥳

Our effective date of exemption is backdated to September 1, 2025, which means all donations made to TRACE—past and present—are fully tax-deductible!

This official status strengthens our mission in tracking, aerial drone operation, and canine emergency response operations. Your support directly powers our team, our dogs, and our equipment in the field. 🫶

07/26/2026

TRACE fam — Missouri is cooking again. Heat index values are expected to hit 110°+ today and Monday, and that’s across most of the state.

What you need to know:

Limit outdoor activity during peak heat.

Hydrate like it’s your full‑time job — water, sports drinks, fruit juices.

Skip alcohol and caffeine; they’ll dehydrate you faster.

If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in shade or AC.

Keep yourselves and your animals safe. This level of heat is no joke.

‼️We’re all in this together, Missouri!
⚠️Extreme Heat Warning today and Monday. The heat index is expected to climb to 110 and higher for almost all of Missouri this afternoon and again on Monday afternoon.
✅Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
✅Drink plenty of water, sports drinks, or natural fruit juices to stay hydrated.
✅Avoid alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine as these tend to be dehydrating.
✅If outdoor activity is unavoidable, take plenty of breaks in the shade, or in an air conditioned environment away from the heat.

06/21/2026

06/14/2026

🌩️ Weather Update: Warnings Lifted — Watch Still Active

All severe warnings have been lifted for our area, but we remain under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch overnight. Flooding concerns also continue in parts of the region. This is the “don’t let your guard down yet” window. A watch means we still have the "ingredients" for the weather to turn more severe.

Conditions can still change quickly, especially with saturated ground and lingering storm energy.

🧠 What To Keep Doing
- Keep weather alerts on and audible
- Leave phones and power banks charging
- Keep pets inside and settled
- Avoid low‑lying areas — flooding can develop fast
- Keep your safe space staged just in case the watch upgrades again

🐾 Pet Safety Check
- Collars on, tags readable
- Leashes + crates where you can grab them
- Keep anxious dogs close and supported

🌧️ Overnight Awareness
Even without active warnings, storms can redevelop or intensify. Stay alert, stay ready, and rest where you can.

TRACE will continue monitoring and updating as needed.

06/14/2026

🌩️ Severe Weather Update: 70 mph Winds and moving at 60 mph — Prep Time Is Now

We’re under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, and storms are now producing 70 mph gusts. Tornado warnings continue SE/E in Jasper County, with the line moving east at 60 mph. This is the window to get your home, family, and animals ready before conditions shift.

Prepared isn’t panicked — it’s controlled, calm, and smart.

🧠 Immediate Actions
- Charge phones, radios, and power banks
- Bring pets inside and keep them close
- Secure loose outdoor items (chairs, tools, trash bins)
- Stage your safe space: interior room, basement, or shelter
- Set out essentials: meds, water, shoes, leashes, crates
- Turn on audible weather alerts for overnight changes

🐾 Pet Safety
- Collars on, tags readable
- Leashes + carriers staged at the door
- Quick “go kit”: food, meds, comfort item, collapsible bowl
- Prep calming tools for storm‑sensitive dogs

⚠️ If Warnings Shift Toward Us
- Move to your safe space immediately
- Keep pets leashed or crated to prevent bolting
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls
- Remain sheltered until the all‑clear

TRACE will continue monitoring and updating as this line progresses. Stay alert, stay ready, and keep your whole household safe — paws included.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to observe the true, heavy meaning of Memorial Day.

While November is reserved for thanking those who have worn the uniform, today is not a day for thanks. Today is a solemn day of profound remembrance for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our nation’s armed forces.

As a veteran-owned and operated team here at TRACE, we understand the weight of this day. We carry the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters with us in everything we do.

We ask our community to join us today in taking a quiet moment to honor the brave individuals who never made it home. May we live lives worthy of the sacrifices they made.

05/24/2026

It’s been a busy couple of months behind the scenes at TRACE, and while our page has been quiet, our work has not.

Between an unusually high call volume, ongoing training, and navigating some unexpected operational concerns — including recent drone‑related issues tied to global events — our team has been focused on readiness, safety, and supporting the community where it matters most.

We’re getting back to regular updates now that things have stabilized, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we handled the essentials first.

TRACE remains committed to transparency, preparedness, and serving our community with integrity. Thank you for sticking with us while we managed a hectic season. More updates coming soon.

03/12/2026

At TRACE, we love helping reunite lost dogs with their families. It’s a fraction of what we do, but it is also the heart of why we do what we do. But to give every dog the best possible chance of getting home safely, there are a few things that absolutely must be in place before we can deploy.

What We Need Before We Can Go Out:
To avoid searching blindly — and to make sure we’re putting our time, skills, and resources where they matter — we require:

-The starting point where the dog slipped out, bolted, or was last seen at home
-The direction of travel, if witnessed, or the usual direction the dog tends to go
-At least 2–3 confirmed sightings from others

These details allow us to triangulate a general area where the dog is likely hanging out. Without them, we’re essentially driving in random directions hoping to get lucky — and that’s not fair to the dog, the family, or our team.

Why These Protocols Matter:
While TRACE has advanced capabilities, specialized training, and a deep commitment to this work, we are a volunteer-run organization. We provide this service free of charge, and when donations aren’t available, gas and travel expenses come straight out of our own pockets.

We receive requests that can take us hours away from home, and we’re happy to help — but we have to do it responsibly. These protocols ensure:

-We’re using our time and resources effectively
-We’re increasing the odds of locating your dog quickly
-We’re not putting our team in situations where we’re searching blindly with no actionable data (especially in rural areas where it is difficult terrain and hard for the drone to see through the tree canopy)

The Bottom Line:
These requirements aren’t barriers — they’re what make successful reunions possible. The more accurate information we have, the faster we can act, and the better the chances of bringing your dog home safely.

Thank you for understanding and for helping us help you. Every detail matters, and together, we can make sure more families get their dogs back where they belong. 🐾

03/05/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Friday: Prepare for You and Your Pets

With Friday’s forecast calling for possible EF2+ tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, now’s the time to prep — not just for yourself, but for your pets too.

This isn’t a full checklist, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. But if you’ve got dogs or cats (or any animal who depends on you), here are a few steps that can make a real difference:

🧠 Before the Storm
- Secure ID — Microchip info up to date? Collar tags readable?
- Prep a go-bag — Leash, meds, food, water, vet records, comfort item.
- Know your safe spot — Basement, interior room, or shelter that allows pets.
- Practice calm entry — If your pet panics during storms, rehearse going to your safe space with treats and calm energy.

🌀 During the Storm
- Bring pets inside early — Don’t wait for sirens.
- Contain safely — Crate, leash, or closed room to prevent bolting.
- Stay calm — Your tone and body language matter.
- Avoid windows — Flying debris is a real risk.

🐾 After the Storm
- Check fences and gates — Damage can create escape routes.
- Watch for stress signs — Shaking, hiding, pacing, vocalizing.
- Keep leashed outdoors — Even familiar yards may be unsafe. We like to use a long lead.
- Report lost pets quickly — Include photos, last known location, and contact info. Please do not wait hours before reporting.

If you care for other species — birds, reptiles, livestock — these principles still apply. Secure ID, safe containment, and calm handling go a long way.

TRACE is here to support readiness, response, and recovery. Stay weather aware, and take care of your whole household — paws included.

—Paula Sharkey
K9 Care Specialist