National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

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National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

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10/30/2026

🎉 Mark your calendars! Our upcoming Fall 2026 Search Team Pairing Ceremony watch party is just around the corner, and you're invited to join in the festivities. 🎉

🎓 Join us on Saturday, November 14 at 10am PT for a live watch party as we celebrate the dedication and hard work of these "paw-some" teams! 🐾

Head to https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/fall-2026-pairing-ceremony-watch-party/ for more info!

Iowa Task Force 1
Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team
Chesapeake Fire Department
California US&R Task Force 7
Sacramento Fire Department

10/29/2026

🐶 SURPRISE! Meet Search Candidate Zilla and her brand-new litter of eight tiny future heroes!

Found as a stray in a rural area, Zilla ended up at the Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino. When a volunteer visited Devore to meet another dog, she bounced a tennis ball and heard a loud, joyful commotion coming from Zilla's kennel. It was as if Zilla was shouting, "Hey! Look over here and look at me—I like that ball!" 🎾✨

Intrigued, the volunteer decided to test Zilla and immediately reached out to SDF's recruitment team. We invited Zilla to our National Training Center in Santa Paula for an on-site screening, where she impressed our trainers with her energy and focus.

We thought Zilla's journey to becoming a search dog was set... but fate had an even bigger surprise in store!

After acing her screening, a routine medical check revealed a major plot twist: Zilla wasn't just ready to learn search-and-rescue—she was expecting! Zilla recently welcomed a darling litter of eight puppies.

Right now, Zilla and our dedicated staff are caring for the little family right here on campus. These tiny recruits are already getting daily sensory enrichment—getting safely accustomed to new sounds, sights, textures, gentle touches, and people.

The goal? To raise happy, healthy puppies while learning about each one as they grow—and keeping the door open to disaster search work if they show interest in becoming future disaster search heroes, just like their incredible mama. 💖

10/29/2026

A very happy birthday to Search Dog CHIRP! 💓 Chirp was picked up as a stray in Northern California and placed with Rescue Ranch Yreka—a rescue organization and SDF recruitment partner which had coincidentally just received a gift box from our recruitment team containing dog toys and instructional videos demonstrating how to evaluate potential search candidates. 💝 Using the toys and following the examples in the video, Rescue Ranch staff led Chirp through the screening process, and it became clear that he had serious search dog potential! 🙌

Once he had arrived on campus, Chirp endeared himself to staff and trainers with his sweet, silly personality. He's a charming and snuggly boy in his downtime, but when he’s training, this pup is intense! He loves to bark when he finds his hidden person, and in his excitement, he makes a squeaking sound that helped earn him his unique name. 💕

In November 2022, Chirp graduated and was paired with Chesapeake Fire Department firefighter Jeremy DeMott. 🚒 Jeremy says that upon meeting Chirp, it was “love at first sight”—and the feeling was mutual! It came as no surprise when the two were officially partnered, and together, they achieved certification as members of Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team. They put their skills to the test in August 2024 when they deployed to Florida to assist rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, and again in April 2025 when they responded to the devastating storms that swept through the Midwest. Their most recent call came earlier this month, when they responded to Tropical Storm Isaias. ⛑️ We hope Chirp is having a fabulous birthday today with extra snuggles just for him! 🫶

10/28/2026

Happy, happy birthday to Search Dog SHADOW! 🥳🫶 Shadow, like many dogs who come through SDF's doors, was picked up as a stray and put up for adoption when his owners didn't come to claim him. Thankfully, he was taken in by Rescue Ranch Yreka—a rescue organization and SDF recruitment partner which has helped place multiple dogs with SDF. 🤝 They noticed that Shadow had many of the characteristics we look for in canine candidates, and reached out to see if he might be a good fit for our program!

After passing his initial evaluation with flying colors, Shadow was driven from Yreka, California to SDF's National Training Center. Once here, it didn't take long for his trainers to discover his favorite things: tennis balls, water hoses, and barking! 🎾🚿 Shadow took to his training with enthusiasm, and just a few weeks into the program, he was already excelling in his lessons. There was no doubt that Shadow was exactly where he was meant to be! 🙌

Upon graduating, Shadow was partnered with Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter Bob George, and together they achieved certification with La County Fire Search Dogs, INC. (CA-TF2), enabling them to deploy anywhere in the world when disaster strikes. 🌏 In February 2023, Shadow and Bob deployed to Türkiye to aid rescue efforts in the wake of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks throughout the region. ⛑️ Happy birthday, Shadow—we hope your birthday brings you plenty of tennis balls and all the hose water! 🎂💕

10/28/2026

⛑️ When disaster strikes, first responders answer the call.

This National First Responders Day, we honor those who dedicate their lives to helping others, including the search dogs and handlers who train together, serve together, and stand ready to help communities when they’re needed most.

To first responders everywhere, thank you for all you do. ❤️

10/27/2026

🐶⚠️ October is National Animal Safety & Protection Month! As pet owners, we are responsible in many ways for the well-being of our animal counterparts. Below are some ways we can help to ensure their safety and health:

🐾 Pet-proof your home: Know which plants, foods, substances, and items are hazardous to your furry friend and make sure they're out of reach

🐾 Make a disaster preparedness plan for your pet: Create an emergency kit with food, water, bowls, blankets, health information, and other necessities so they are ready to go at a moment's notice

🐾 Stay up to date with vet check-ups: A yearly visit to your pet's veterinarian will ensure they're current on their immunizations and provide an opportunity to address any health needs so your pet can keep living their best life

🐾 Microchip your pets: If your pet gets lost and ends up in a shelter, a microchip will allow the shelter to access your information and reunite you with your furry family member. Just remember to update phone numbers and addresses if they change!

Do you have any other pet safety tips? Drop them in the comments below!

10/26/2026

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

This 40-pound Border Collie mix is a toy-obsessed, fun-loving whirlwind who enjoys both people and other dogs and has a reputation for being adored by everyone he meets. Smart, busy, and always ready for the next challenge, Charlie thrives when he has a job to do. Whether that's learning a new trick, tackling an outdoor adventure, or inventing his own games, he's happiest when he's engaged with his people. We could easily see him thriving in activities like wilderness search and rescue or conservation detection work, where his drive and enthusiasm would be right at home. He would also excel at sports like agility.

Charlie is looking for an active home that appreciates his zest for life and can channel his big energy into fun, rewarding activities. In return, he'll provide endless entertainment, unwavering companionship, and probably a toy or two delivered right to your lap. If you're searching for a dog who lives every day like it's the best day ever, Charlie is ready to meet you!

Head to our website (linked below) to get to know Charlie and other great dogs available for placement—your new best friend can't wait to meet you! 🐾

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. ❤️

https://searchdogfoundation.org/canine-placement-program/?mgi_325=67622/charlie

10/25/2026

🌈💔 We are devastated to share that Search Dog Deacon has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

From the beginning, Deacon seemed to know exactly what he was meant to do. Donated to SDF as a young dog, he took to search training immediately, impressing his trainers with his enthusiasm, focus, and drive. Watching him work a rubble pile could stop people in their tracks, yet off the clock, he was an easygoing boy adored by his his trainers.

In September 2017, Deacon was partnered with firefighter/paramedic Mike Toepfer of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Together, they certified with La County Fire Search Dogs, INC. (CA-TF2) and went on to serve communities near and far.

Deacon and Mike deployed to Türkiye with USA-2 following the devastating 7.8 earthquake in February 2023, to Florida after Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

Sadly, just days after celebrating his 11th birthday, Deacon crossed the rainbow bridge after a tumor was discovered on his spleen.

Deacon lived an extraordinary life filled with purpose, partnership, and service. He was deeply loved by the Toepfer family and will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A sweet boy with an incredible work ethic and an even bigger place in the hearts of those who loved him, Deacon leaves behind an unforgettable legacy and some very big paws to fill.

Deacon’s life and service will forever be honored at SDF’s Canine Memorial Wall. ❤️

🕊️ You can read more about Deacon here: https://searchdogfoundation.org/rainbowbridge/?mgi_256=24999/deacon-2015-2026

10/24/2026

Happy birthday to Search Dog LEON! 🕺🪩 Leon came to us from longtime SDF shelter partner, Tri City Animal Shelter in Fremont, CA. Like many of our dogs, Leon was surrendered to the shelter when his owner felt they could no longer manage Leon’s high energy and frequent escapes from the backyard. The shelter placed Leon with a local foster who happens to be a dog trainer with working dog experience, who suspected Leon might excel in a detection career. Their instincts were right on, and Leon made his way to SDF with help from our transportation partners at Fetch Air! 🛩️

Upon arriving at our campus, Leon proved to be a remarkably quick learner, making rapid progress in his foundational skills while balancing his intense work ethic on the pile with a soft side that loves a good cuddle. 💕 He quickly advanced through our program, rocking his rubble searches, learning diffuse odor, and passing all his proficiencies and advanced elements with flying colors. 🙌

On July 18, 2026, Leon graduated and was officially partnered with first responder Lee Culley. ⛑️ Following graduation, the pair went home to Utah, where they continue to train together daily in preparation for certification and eventual deployment with Utah Task Force 1 Utah Task Force K9’s . We're excited to follow their journey as they work towards those milestones and more throughout their career! Happy birthday Leon—we hope your day is as wonderful as you are! 🥳

10/24/2026

Our 30th anniversary merch is here! 🥳

Celebrate in style with limited-edition merch honoring three decades of second chances, saving lives, and no one left behind. 🐾

Shop the drop at https://searchdogfoundation.org/shop/ 🛍️

Address

6800 Wheeler Canyon Road
Santa Paula, CA
93060

Telephone

+18884594376

Website

http://www.SearchDogFoundation.org/

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