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Wilma first had the idea to create a Training Center back in 1998. Here are her reflections on the 14-year journey to this point:

The notion of creating an organization to train America’s Canine Disaster Search Teams came to me in 1995. I remember the exact moment: I was standing in my driveway, having just returned from my deployment to the Oklahoma City bomb-ing. At that time, our entire country had only about 15 Advanced Certified teams, and it was clear to me that many more were needed. I knew someone had to make it happen, and realized that this someone…was me.

I teamed up with Canine Trainer extraordinaire Pluis Davern and we devised a plan to recruit rescued dogs, team them with firefighters, and train them efficient-ly and effectively for disaster search. We started with three Sacramento handlers and three amazing Golden Retrievers, and each year added more teams.

In those days I was driving about 2,000 miles a month to help the teams train—ever in search of the rubble piles that were essential to their training. The piles were few, they were temporary, and they didn’t challenge the teams nearly enough. I knew we could do better. I knew we had to create our own Training Center that would offer complex, changeable, real-life disaster scenarios.

I kept turning these questions around in my mind: Did I know what size property was needed, where it should be, or how much it would cost? Did I know how to raise the money to buy the land and build the Center? Was I prepared in any way to launch such a project? “No, no, and no!” came the answers. That was in 1998. Then, slowly, a group of talented, skilled, passionate people came together to make it all happen…

Thanks to this team, and to the amazing generosity of our donors, today, at 78 years old, when I ask myself whether we’ll have a Training Center for

the nation’s teams, I hear myself saying: “YES!” I hear Pluis answer, “You Bet!” I see Debra, our Execu-tive Director, with determination in her eyes. I see myself steering a shiny red electric cart through the NTC as I visit the dogs and handlers in training. I see SDF teams training with other teams from around the country and the globe and learning from one another. I now see a far broader scope for our NTC than I did back in 1998.

As a born risk-taker, I often look at seemingly impossible challenges that can be met with a solid plan and huge perseverance. The National Training Center is my greatest challenge to date. The word “hope” is no longer applicable. I now KNOW we will make this happen.

There will be many challenges and many victories along the way. The planning will continue to be incessant, the pressures unrelenting….but who cares? It’s what we do because we are the Search Dog Foundation. We never quit. We hud-dle and muddle until the course is agreed and clear.

And we will produce the best Canine Disaster Search Teams this country has ever seen.

The First Glimmer of a National Training Centerby Wilma Melville

Building a Home for America’s Search TeamsThe first of its kind in the Nation...

There is no facility in the United States solely dedicated to the training of Canine Disaster Search Teams…and SDF is taking on the challenge of bringing this resource to the Nation. We are building a National Training Center—the first of its kind in America—where rescued dogs will become rescuers, and where all of America’s Search Teams will receive the preparation they need for the most difficult deployments.

The state-of-the-art facility is being built on 125 acres of donated historic ranch land in the beautiful foothills of Santa Paula, CA—90 minutes north of Los An-geles. The site is ideal for the kennels, beginning and advanced training areas, handlers’ accommodations, classrooms and offices that have been designed for the space. The Center is being built with no government funding and at no cost to taxpayers.

We are currently in the second Phase of design and construction. With $11.5 million raised against a Base Goal of $14.5 million, the creation of the Center is close at hand.

This is a must-do project that calls upon the can-do spirit of America— mobilizing the resources, talents and energy of a committed team to bring a life-saving gift to the Nation. Together we will show the Nation what a dedicated group of people can do to strengthen emergency response and provide a model for disaster preparedness in the U. S.

Wilma training with Murphy, 1996

Wilma surveying the NTC site with Ranger, 2012

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T H E N A T I O N A L T R A I N I N G C E N T E R

A H O M E F O R A M E R I C A ' S S E A R C H T E A M S

National Testing and Training and International Visitors The NTC will be made available to all State, Regional, and Federal Task Forces for Certification testing—a requirement before teams can deploy. The NTC will also serve as a venue for joint training sessions with international Urban Search and Rescue agencies.

A “Home Away From Home” for America’s Search Teams We want to give our very best to the people and animals who risk their lives for us. Whether the teams are training at the NTC for a weekend, a week, or a month, we will offer them a “home away from home.” That’s why our plan includes:

• A Handlers Lodge for first responders and their families with a full-service kitchen, comfortable living room and play areas for children

• Top-notch kennel facilities at the Canine Pavilion where Search Dogs will enjoy excellent care and daily training

• A medical suite to serve all the canines’ health care needs

• Well-equipped classrooms where handlers will be able to share what they have learned in training and on deployments with fellow handlers

Advanced Training Scenarios Each time our Search Teams are deployed to a disaster, they encounter extreme conditions and challenging search scenarios that call for the highest level of training. In order to be fully prepared for any situation they encounter, the teams need to train in an environment that simulates these conditions. Right now most of our teams train on piles of rubble found at recycling centers. There are three problems with this:

1. The training piles are temporary – they’re only there until the boulders or lumber are needed for another purpose.

2. The search scenarios, as long as they last, are static – the dogs get used to the same search configuration.

3. The piles are not sufficiently challenging – a “victim” buried a few feet under concrete doesn’t come close to what the teams experience in an actual deployment.

Our new training site will feature collapsed structures, mudslides, large-area rubble searches, “deep victim” searches, train wrecks and wilderness ravines. We will be able to reconfigure the “props” to create an infinite variety of challenging scenarios.

Canine Evaluation and Training Currently our canine candidates are transported from shelters and rescue groups to SDF's “boot camp” kennel in Santa Paula, CA, for evaluation and socialization, then travel to the formal training site in Gilroy, just south of San Francisco.

The NTC will bring canine evaluation, care and training to one location to give the canines the best possible environment for their intensive 8-month training program.

The Canine Pavilion will be the heart and soul of the canine program at the NTC. Here, formerly homeless, abandoned dogs will be given “a new leash on life” through expert veterinary care and training by compassionate professionals. The Pavilion will be a state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot facility accommodating 40 dogs in double-occupancy kennels, each complete with its own indoor and out-door runs and plenty of space to rest and play in the fresh air.

It will include classrooms where Canine Search Specialists will share knowledge about training and deployments. These classes and workshops will be transmit-ted remotely throughout the country—and the world—with the goal of strength-ening disaster response and rescue.

Dogs accepted into the program who don’t have everything it takes for disaster search will be given lots of TLC and obedience training at the NTC before making a career change or being partnered with a loving Lifetime Care Family.

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Construction & Financing Timetable The NTC Project Budget is based on a phased construction timeline. The final cost will depend on the cost of material and labor over the next two years.

Please note: The construction timetable is predicated on receiving all Ventura County permits and approval. The schedule may accelerate depending on the number of gifts and pledges received by the end of the NTC Campaign (December 2012). The project may also accelerate if we partner with a lender who will utilize pledges as collateral for bridge financing.

If debt financing is secured, SDF will mitigate debt service costs by discounts received through our Community Benefits program and through construction savings based on value engineering. If the Canine Pavilion and Water Treatment System are finished within Phase 3 as planned, SDF’s official transition to the NTC as a base of operations will take place during this phase.

Area Construction Site Work Total

General Site Development and Infrastructure $2,778,993 $853,000 $3,631,993

Canine Pavilion $3,383,883 $243,752 $3,627,635

Handlers Lodge $862,994 $156,001 $1,018,995

Welcome Center $703,600 $257,400 $961,000

Technology and Communications package $677,075 $155,030 $832,105

Advanced Training Props: • Neighborhood Search Prop • Alert Tube Training Area • Three-Sided Building • The Wood Pile $861,109 $102,275 $963,384 • Train Wreck • Simulated Mudslide

Disaster Training Zone Rubble Piles $546,461 $128,208 $674,669

Solar Installation $721,084 $86,000 $807,084

Canine Training Grounds $574,472 $213,334 $787,806

Development Den / Caretaker Quarters $352,764 $140,400 $493,164

Maintenance Annex $160,495 $66,906 $227,401

Search Team Showgrounds $197,208 $89,171 $286,379

Canine Memorial & Guardian Glade $159,930 $45,073 $205,003

TOTAL (Base Goal) $11,980,068 $2,536,550 $14,516,618

Project Budget

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N T C B U D G E T & P H A S I N G

PHASE 1: 2011 (Completed) • Completed: Front Gate and Pilaster • Completed: Frontage fencing system • Completed: Frontage landscaping • Completed: Memorial Park Grove and BBQ • Completed: Walkways through the Grove • Completed: Guardian Glade • Completed: Canine Memorial • Completed: Grading plans • Completed: Conditional Use Permit approval • Completed: Memorial Arbor

PHASE 2: 2012 • Submit Water Treatment and Delivery construction documents • Submit Underground infrastructure and utilities documents • Submit Canine Pavilion construction documents • Install Leach Field in the lower property • Begin trenching program for underground utilities • Begin grading outdoor Training Grounds and surrounding area • Construct Canine Training Grounds and Covered Training Field • Begin Canine Pavilion pad work • Begin Clean Water Treatment and Delivery System • Complete Search Team Showgrounds and synthetic field • Renovate the Old Cabin

PHASE 3: 2013 • Submit Welcome Center construction documents • Submit Development Den construction documents • Submit Handlers Lodge renovation documents • Submit Disaster Dome construction documents • Submit Landscape documents for Phase 3 • Install GPS all-weather irrigation system • Install underground infrastructure and utilities • Complete Clean Water Treatment and Delivery System • Complete Canine Pavilion and adjacent Training Yards • Complete lower property hillside landscaping • Begin construction of Welcome Center • Begin construction of Development Den • Begin renovation of Handlers Lodge • Begin construction of Disaster Training Zone

PHASE 4: 2014 • Complete Welcome Center • Complete Development Den • Complete Handlers Lodge • Complete Disaster Training Zone • Construct Training Zone Maintenance Annex • Construct roads and signage • Complete Disaster Dome

Construction Phases

Campaign Goals Thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters throughout the country, the National Training Center is becoming a reality. To date we have raised $11,500,000, or 80% of our Base Goal of $14,500,000 to be completed by the end of the year. We are now beginning the last phase of our 6-Phase campaign—the homestretch—with 6 months to go to raise the $3,000,000 needed to open the Center in 2013. Here are the results of the first 5 Phases of the Campaign: Mini- Cash Pledge Total Cash Number

Campaigns Receivables & Pledges of Gifts

#1: Jan-June 2010 $2,744,371 $1,190,000 $3,934,371 24

#2: July-Dec 2010 $254,530 $2,475,000 $2,729,530 21

#3: Jan-June 2011 $50,600 $625,000 $675,600 6

#4: July-Dec 2011 $675,025 $458,400 $1,133,425 23

#5: Jan-June 2012 $1,878,698 $1,215,000 $3,093,698 26

#6: July-Dec 2012

TOTAL $5,603,224 $5,963,400 $11,566,624 100

BASE GOAL: $14,500,000 Cash Received $5,603,224

Pledge receivables $5,963,400

TOTAL (80% of the Base Goal) $11,566,624

“During these challenging economic times, we all want to award projects which are feasible and realistic, offering the strongest impact for our funding dollars. The establishment of a National Training Center certainly meets this criterion. In reviewing their one-time request to the S. D. Bech-tel, Jr. Foundation, we awarded one of our largest grants because SDF is an efficiently run agency with a proven track record, able to deliver on their promises. Their policy of recruiting rescued dogs and their work with firefighters is good for the country, and for grant-makers. I hope you will be a part of this milestone project, the first of its kind in our country.” – Lauren Dachs, President, S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

National Training Center Donors We’re deeply grateful to these SDF supporters who are partnering with us to make the NTC a reality.

Community Benefits (In-Kind Donations)SDF requires all NTC contractors and vendors involved in the project to take part in our Community Benefits program and provide a discount or donate a service or product as part of their contract. All savings are being applied to the NTC project or maintenance endowment fund to care for the site. Our goal is to secure at least $1,000,000 in in-kind services by the time the project has run its course. To date, 100% of the firms retained on the NTC project have taken part in our Community Benefits program, collectively contributing $544,680 in donated or discounted services.

Community Benefit Partners: We are grateful to these companies for being PART OF THE SEARCH by generously donating a portion of their supplies and/or services:Advanced Geotechnical Services All Around Landscape Supply Ayres Consulting Solutions, Inc. BEGA-US Blois Construction, Inc. California Land Clearing Collings and Associates Conejo Archaeological Consultants Diani Building Corp. Earthform Design Granite Construction Company Hilgers Grading & Excavating HydroSolve Ike’s Pump and Drilling Jensen Design and Survey, Inc.

Kline Construction Company, Inc. Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects, Inc. Limoneira Company Mac Brown Excavating, Inc. McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Orion Landscapes PACE Advanced Water Engineering R.W. Scott Construction Co., Inc. Reyes Masonry Contractors, Inc. San Buenaventura Research Associates Stone Imagery Taft Electrical Company The Door Stop Trussell Technologies, Inc. Water Resource Engineering Associates

Individuals

Jane Adams Nancy Bates Eda and Thomas Bisho Herbert Briscoe Ann Carneros Ann, Paul, Erika, & Matthew DeMartini Linda D’Orsi Carol Fenbers Cathie Foster Sarah Hyatt Pam Jones David Kaplan Eric Kelley Marvel Blakeman Kirby Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. & Natalie Black Kohler Patricia and Edward Lay Geoffrey and Susan Leach Edward and Stefanie Leland Margaret Levy Bill Linder Marikay Lindstrom Lynn and Jack Loacker Bill and Kristin Loomis J. R. Nicholson, Jr. Deborah Pelissero Darrell and Helen Poplock Ric and Penny Ruffinelli Mary Severson Fred Sussi Loretta Swit Fran Toll June Yanaginuma

Foundations & Companies

Anonymous (4 gifts) Annenberg Foundation Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation The Sybiel B. Berkman Foundation Berwind Fund, LLC California Federation of Women’s Clubs - Sierra Cahuenga District Dodson Foundation Patricia Duque Byrne Charitable Foundation Jack and Carolyn Ferguson Charitable Foundation Ethel Frends Foundation Frog Crossing Foundation, Inc. Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation William H. Hannon Foundation The Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation HealthyPets, Inc. Elsie H. Hillman Foundation Hogan Family Foundation Hurlbut-Johnson Charitable Trusts Ike’s Pump & Drilling, Inc. Jensen Design & Survey, Inc. The JJC Foundation Ludwick Family Foundation Bert W. Martin Foundation The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Foundation The McGrath Family Foundation Newman’s Own Foundation Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc. The Nutro Company Oasis Petroleum, Inc. Stella & Arthur Pepper Foundation Poplock Family Foundation Rachael’s Rescue Scaife Family Foundation SearchDogsUSA Lon V. Smith Foundation Volentine Family Foundation The Water Resource Engineering Association The WD-40 Company The Weiler Foundation Williams-Corbett Foundation The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation

Base Goal: $14.5 million • Design and engineering plans• County fees and permitting • Clean water treatment system • Grading and trenching for electrical, telecommunications and water • Construction of the Training Grounds, Canine Pavilion, Disaster Training Zone, Welcome Center, Showgrounds, Caretaker Quarters, Development Offices, and Handlers Lodge • Capital campaign • Transition of SDF programs to the facility

Mid Goal: $16.5 million • Make final payment on the property note; we will own the land free & clear• Build the Disaster Dome (indoor advanced training structure)

High Goal: $18.5 million • Strengthen the NTC Maintenance Endowment to keep the facility in top condition for the Search Dogs, Handlers, Disaster Search community and Search Dog Foundation staff and visitors

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N T C C A M P A I G N

(L to R) Wilma Melville, Stephen Bechtel, Lauren Dachs, Pluis Davern

Photo: Karyn Newbill

Gift Namingsat the

n at i o n a l t r a i n i n g c e n t e r

We are deeply grateful to the individuals, foundations and companies across the country who are making their mark on disaster preparedness in America by helping us build the National Training Center. We’re delighted to share with you the Namings (listed below) recognizing lead gifts of $50,000-$1,000,000+.

(Those in Green are reserved; those in Black are still available.)

We welcome you to become part of this historic project!

The name of all NTC donors will appear in the Grand Opening Commemorative Booklet

The name of all NTC donors of $500 and above will appear on the Donor Plaque in the Welcome Center Foyer

All NTC donors of $1,500 and above will be offered a recognition tile in the Welcome Center Courtyard Mosaic. (these gifts may be pledged over a two-year period)

Additional Gift Namings are available for donations of $2,500 to $30,000 - to learn more, contact Rhett Mauck (888) 459-4376 x105 or Rhett@SearchDogFoundation.org.

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G I F T N A M I N G S AT T H E N AT I O N A L T R A I N I N G C E N T E R

FA C I L I T Y N A M I N GThe National Training Center

C A N I N E PAV I L I O NThe BEB Canine Medical Clinic Williams-Corbett Foundation Canine Housing Suite James and Jeannie Dodson Canine Housing Suite Canine Pavilion

C A N I N E T R A I N I N G G R O U N D SThe Mars, Inc./Nutro Company “Room to Run” The DeMartini Covered Training Field Crystal Canine Socialization Area The Arthur and Stella Pepper Agility Yard The Ethel Frends Foundation Training Grounds Viewing Area The Volentine Family Foundation Training Grounds Viewing Area Frog Crossing Bark Alert Yard The Hogan Family Foundation Grassy Obedience Yard Canine Training Grounds Direction Control Yard Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area (1 remaining)

D I S A S T E R T R A I N I N G Z O N ECarlee’s Train Wreck Maggie’s Rubble Pile Murphy’s Rubble Pile Timber’s Wood Pile Jessie’s Mudslide Disaster Training Zone Viewing Areas (5 available)

M E M O R I A L PA R KBert W. Martin Foundation Memorial Park Pat Byrne Grove Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Canine Memorial Boone’s Old Ranch Cabin Memorial Arbor (Reserved by The Scaife Family Foundation) The Margaret Levy Guardian Bridge Guardian Glade

Disaster Training Zone Neighborhood Search Prop Three-Sided Building Collapsed Freeway Prop Alert Tube Training Area

S H O W G R O U N D SNewman’s Own Foundation Search Team Showgrounds Showgrounds Overlook

V I S TA S , T R A I L S , C R E E K S , R AV I N E SChief’s Peak Cassi Search & Rescue Training Ravine Nika Search & Rescue Training Ravine Oakley Search & Rescue Training Ravine Dakota’s Old Creek Bridge Ranch Rim Trail

WELCOME CENTER & DEVELOPMENT OFFICESFrank McGrath, Jr. Family Welcome Center The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation Development Den Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation Board Conference Room Rachael’s Rescue Heroes Hall Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Executive Director’s Office William H. Hannon Foundation Welcome Center Reception Area Barn Gathering Hall Caretaker’s Quarters

I N F R A S T R U C T U R E & G R O U N D SLudwick Family Foundation Campus Drive (Tier 1) Clean Water Delivery System Solar Spectrum Maintenance Hub Training Zone Service Annex NTC Campus Drives (3 Tiers remaining) Visitors Parking Area

H A N D L E R S L O D G EBechtel Handlers Lodge Jack and Carolyn Ferguson Handlers Porch

Old Creek Preserve Hilltop Vistas North (2 available) Hilltop Vistas South (2 available) Old Creek Bridge (1 remaining) Search & Rescue Training Ravines (2 remaining)

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2011 Highlights The generous support of SDF’s stakeholders in 2011 enabled the Search Dog Foundation to turn rescued dogs into rescuers and strengthen the nation’s disaster response network.

DEPLOYMENTS – SDF Search Teams responded to 10 disasters and missing person searches: in California, Baja California, Oklahoma, Missouri, New York, and Japan.

NEW SEARCH TEAMS – 15 new Search Teams were formed in California (Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento), Florida (Tampa), Oklahoma (Tulsa), New York (Albany) and Texas (Dallas)

SEARCH TEAM CERTIFICATIONS – 10 Search Teams attained Certification,and 7 Re-Certified.

CANINE RECRUITMENT – 106 Shelters and Breed Rescue groups assisted SDFin evaluating 536 canines, locating 51 potential Search Dogs. Of these, 15 canines were partnered with handlers in 2011.

LIFETIME CARE – 29 Lifetime Care families adopted recruits who did not com-plete SDF’s training program.

STAKEHOLDERS – SDF is grateful to our supporters across the nation who made gifts in 2011 including: 5,104 Individuals, 146 Foundations, 22 Companies, 121 Organizations, and 13 Schools

VOLUNTEERS – 87 willing and able volunteers helped SDF in the office, at events, and in the critical work of combing shelters throughout the Western States to find our future Search Dogs.

SEARCH DOG SPONSORS – In 2011, 8 individuals, community groups, founda-tions and companies donated $10,000 or more to become Search Dog Sponsors, bringing our total to 91 SDF Sponsors nationwide.

ENDOWMENT GUARDIANS – In 2011, we welcomed 23 new Guardians who in-cluded SDF in their estate plans. As of December 31, 2011, we had 165 Guardians and our Endowment was valued at $1,372,706.

WORKPLACE GIVING – In 2011, SDF received $117,814 from employees who gave through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), their State Employee Campaign, the United Way, and company matching programs.

Thank you, Mike!by Wilma Melville

About the time I got a notion to start train-ing dogs and people for disaster search, I met a bright young fellow named Mike Antonucci. At the time, Mike was Assistant Chief of the Fire and Rescue Branch of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, in charge of Special Operations. When I told him my plan, he immediately grasped the idea and saw its potential.

As someone well acquainted with the role of Canine Search Teams in disaster response, Mike understood (more than I did at the time) that the success of our first teams would be crucial in getting our program off the ground. He helped me find three Sacramento firefighters who were up to the task, and convinced their Chiefs that this would be an important resource for their departments.

During his career, Mike was responsible for the management, training, and re-sponse of California’s eight Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces. He also coordinated the California fire service’s preparations for incidents involving hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, floods, and mass casualties. Over the years, Mike responded to many disaster situations, among them the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes. As part of the FEMA USAR Advance Incident Support Team, he responded to the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, Hurricane Bertha, and the Centennial Park bombing at the Atlanta Olympics.

In May of 2012, Mike retired as Chief of the Upland Fire Department in Southern California. We look forward to his continued service on SDF’s Board, and wish him well in his retirement years.

2011 Trainer of the Year: Pluis Davern Everyone at the Search Dog Foundation is grateful to an extraordinary woman, Pluis Davern, who, together with her team of SDF trainers, has trained 135 SDF Search Dogs and Handlers. She has set the gold standard for Canine Disaster Search training in America, and has had a profound influence on this aspect of emergency preparedness in our country.

We are proud to share with you that on February 12, 2012, Pluis received the 2011 “Trainer of the Year” award at the 57th Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards presented by Dogs In Review magazine. One of the most highly re-spected canine trainers in the country, Pluis (rhymes with “house”) has 40 years of experience training dogs in obedience, field trial, agility and search and rescue. She is the founder and owner of Sundowners Kennels, where all SDF canines have been trained, and has trained more search and rescue dogs than anyone in the country.

Beyond her training skills, Davern is a highly respected American Kennel Club judge and has judged the Westminster Dog Show in New York and other interna-tional dog shows. She was also named the 2011 American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year for her Sundowners Sussex Spaniels.

Helmets off to Pluis, who has taught us all to say “Yes!” to the canines, and “Yes!” to the challenges before us.

Pluis and Chief ~ The canine-trainer bond Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

2 0 1 1 P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T S

SDF’s mission is to strengthen disaster re-sponse in America by partnering rescued dogs with firefighters to find people buried alive in the aftermath of disasters. We work hard to serve our dedicated canines and han-dlers, and to keep our stakeholders involved and informed. Our goal has always been to be a strong and stable organization, remain-ing small enough to run a highly efficient and effective operation.

Our founder, Wilma Melville, knew from early on that we would eventu-ally need to find a permanent training site for the teams—a place where they could practice in a broad range of simulated disaster settings. We’re now embarking on an historic challenge: the creation of a Training Center for the nation’s Canine Disaster Search Teams. This Center will be a gift to all Search Teams from the people of this country: a center for learning, training, and sharing knowledge; a state-of-the-art training site; a sanc-tuary for canines; a permanent home for our teams. When complete, the Center will accommodate 40 canines in training, enabling us to double the number of teams we train each year.

We’re all very excited to see the Center take shape before our very eyes. Phase 1 of the project has been completed, including the Canine Memo-rial, The Grove, Guardian Glade, and Entrance Gate, and the beautiful lower tier landscaping. We’re about to start Phase 2, including the mid-property grading and infrastructure, and early this summer will break ground on the Canine Training Grounds.

As a crisis management professional for 26 years, the need for this Training Center is clear to me, as I hope it will be to you. We hope you will take pride in, and be part of, this milestone project—the first of its kind in the nation. – Chris Wright, SDF Board Chair Senior Manager, Worldwide Crisis Management, Amgen Inc.

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Dennis Clark & RugbyLos Angeles County Fire

California Task Force 2 (Los Angeles County)

California Task Force 8 (San Diego)

All photos on pages 8 and 9 by Sharon Hanzelka

Dennis DiMarzio & TyLos Angeles County Fire

Andrew Olvera & StetsonLos Angeles County Fire

Sara Rathbun & RaiderLos Angeles County Fire

Gary Durian & Tanker*Los Angeles County Fire

Kelly Gordon & Mattie* Montebello Police

California Task Force 7 (Sacramento)

Oklahoma Task Force 1 (Tulsa)

Jeff Leon & JusticeTulsa Fire

Adrienne Seibel & DanniTulsa Fire

Vincent Stoops & MagnumTulsa Fire

Judy Zinn & RoyceVeterinarian

An asterisk (*) indicates the pairing of a veteran handler with a newly trained Search Dog following the retirement or passing of their first canine partner.Chris Bergquist & Kari

Sacramento City Fire

Texas Task Force 2(Dallas)

Mike Hargrove & HaydenPolice Officer, Retired

Florida Task Force 4(Tampa)

Marshia Hall & Lilah*Temple Terrace Fire

New York Task Force 2 (Albany)

Greg Gould & Dax*NY State Division of Homeland Security

& Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention & Control

Tony Santulli & SadieAlbany Fire

T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1

15 New Search Teams for America

In 2011 we paired rescued dogs with firefighters in seven regions of the country, listed below. After a year of intensive training, these teams will be ready to take their FEMA or State Certification tests. Once Certified, they can be deployed to disasters in their own communities and nationally.

“Gunner is a fantastic searcher – with both speed and drive. He’s now at the fire station with me and everyone with the Alameda County Fire Department, especially Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert, has been extremely supportive and helpful in introducing Gunner to his new workplace. Gunner and I are adjusting to one another and I just love his enthusiasm for the job!” – Alex Mengell, Alameda County Fire Department

Fidel Gomez & Rosie, Luis Garcia & Maxim, Alex Mengell & Gunner

SDF Lead Trainer Pluis Davern and Founder Wilma Melville help Gunner cross the wobbly bridgeFidel Gomez & Rosie Tijuana Fire / Baja California Task Force 3

Luis Garcia & Maxim Tijuana Fire / Baja California Task Force 3

Alex Mengell & Gunner Alameda County Fire / California Task Force 4

All photos on pages 8 and 9 by Sharon Hanzelka

“It’s so gratifying to watch the handlers evolve—from their very first contact with veteran Search Dogs during the Handlers Course...to being paired with a dog of their own. Watching the dogs and handlers grow together as a team, achieve Certification, and be deployed to a disaster...is a joy to behold!”

– Sharon Hanzelka, SDF Trainer & Photographer

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T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 2

Watching our trainers hand the leash to a new handler is one of the most exciting parts of our program. That’s the moment the real jour-ney begins. The two are no longer a dog and a handler, they are now a Search Team, working together to become deployment ready and save lives. The stories I hear from our handlers telling of the countless hours of training, the

scrapes and bruises, the frustrations and triumphs, are a testament to the commitment each made when they received their dog. Their dedica-tion continues to impress us all. Please join me in welcoming our 2011 and 2012 teams. – Denise Hess, Program Supervisor

For more info about Search Teams, contact Denise at Denise@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x106

These Teams are also Rostered for the Class of 2012:Brent Koeninger & Moxie Oklahoma City Fire / Oklahoma Task Force 1

Mark Schroeder & Noah Civilian / Nebraska Task Force 1

4 Teams - Texas Task Force 2

4 Teams - Utah Task Force 1

3 Teams - L. A. City Fire / California Task Force 1

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Fidel Gomez & Krissy searching for victims of a collapsed home in Tijuana Photos: Luis Garcia

84 SDF DEPLOYMENTS

The greatest testimony to your support is in the deployment of SDF-trained Search Teams to disasters. Whether the disaster is small or large, impacting one family, a community, or a nation, the response of these teams brings hope and comfort to those affected, knowing everything possible has been done to find survivors.

SDF teams have responded to a total of 84 disasters and missing person searches, including, in 2011:

• Earthquake & Tsunami - Japan: Gary Durian & Baxter, Eric Gray & Riley, Ron Horetski & Pearl, Billy Monahan & Hunter, Jasmine Segura & Cadillac, Linda Tacconelli & Joe

• Tornadoes - Oklahoma City, OK: Mark Edwards & Taz, Dane Yaw & Salsa

• Tornadoes - Joplin, MO: Brent Koeninger & Huck, Jason Smith & Jagger

• Hurricane Irene - New York City, NY: Jason Geary & Marsi, Greg Gould & Kura, Bill Simmes & Bonnie, John Stewart & Lani

• House Explosion - Salem, NY: Bill Simmes & Bonnie

• Landslide & House Collapse - Tijuana: Fidel Gomez & Krissy

• Building Collapse - Tijuana: Fidel Gomez & Krissy

• Vehicle Accident - Hacienda Heights, CA: Ron Horetski & Pearl

• Missing Person Search - San Luis Obispo, CA: Eric Darling & Ben

• Missing Person Search - Ojai, CA: Eric Darling & Ben

“Seeing the teams on deployment, doing the job we have helped shape them to do, makes my heart sing! They ARE making a difference, they CAN save lives, they ARE Heroes!” –Pluis Davern, SDF Lead Trainer

The tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011 was the single dead- liest U.S. tornado since modern recordkeeping began 60 years ago. The storm carved a corridor of destruction through the southwest part of the city, killing 161 people and leveling whole neighborhoods.

Brent Koeninger & Huck, and Jason Smith & Jagger, two of SDF’s five Oklahoma City-based teams, were deployed as part of Oklahoma Task Force 1, working in shifts along with two Tulsa-based Search Teams. Huck and Jagger are both California rescued dogs turned rescuers: Huck was discovered at Oakland’s East Bay SPCA, Jagger at the Haven Humane Society near Redding.

The teams searched the area for two full days to make sure no one had been left behind, giving the “all-clear” for each structure as they combed the debris. No sooner had the teams started home than we learned that Mark Edwards & Taz and Dane Yaw & Salsa had been deployed in Oklahoma City, their home base, in anticipation of the tornadoes touching down there.

Stella Vasseur of Haven Humane sent this response: “We are SO proud! It’s fabu-lous to have a rescued dog turn into a rescuer! Jagger was picked up as a stray and his owner never came to claim him. When they have an innate sense, it’s so great to let them put that to use.”

Pam Papay of Newman’s Own Foundation sent this response:

“Newman’s Own Foundation is proud to support the tremendous efforts of the Search Dog Foundation. We are grateful that Brent & Huck and Jason & Jagger were able to respond so quickly following the tornadoes in Joplin. Their actions are heroic in trying to locate people alive in the debris. Please be sure all of the SDF teams know how much we value and appreciate their extraordinary dedication and hard work.”

SDF’s Pluis Davern, along with SDF’s training staff, trained all of the Okla-homa dogs and handlers, traveling often to Oklahoma to work with the teams in freezing cold and blazing heat. Each handler is like family to her—she knows all of the canines as if they were her own. She sent us her thoughts on the Joplin deployment: “Watching these once cast-off dogs that with training have become life-saving tools fills me with unmitigated pride and a deep humility for this species that can and does do so much for humankind.”

The idea for the Search Dog Foundation began in Oklahoma City, with Wilma Melville’s deployment to the Federal Building bombing in 1995. Since that time we have trained 139 teams, with 20 based in “tornado alley”—9 in Oklahoma, 4 in Nebraska, 4 in Texas, and 3 in Florida. We are currently in negotiations with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Kansas, as well as looking forward to provid-ing additional Search Dogs to task forces in Nebraska and Texas to strengthen the Midwest response force.

Joplin & Oklahoma City Tornadoes – SDF Teams Respond

Brent & Huck comb through debris in Joplin Photo: Jeff Roberson/AP

Jagger searching Photo: Jason Smith

2 0 1 1 D E P L O Y M E N T S

On March 11, 2011 at 12:15 am PST, six SDF Search Teams were activated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for deployment to the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They were mobilized as part of the 74-member Los Angeles County Task Force 2 along with Virginia Task Force 1.

This was SDF’s 76th deployment, and the first international deployment for Search Teams Eric Gray & Riley and Linda Tacconelli & Joe. The other four teams—Ron Horetski & Pearl, Billy Monahan & Hunter, Jasmine Segura &

Cadillac, and Gary Durian & Baxter—were veterans of the January 2010 Haiti deployment, where they helped bring 12 people to safety.

The teams landed at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan on March 12th and bedded down there in cots and crates for a night’s rest. On March 13th, SDF handler Captain Billy Monahan called to let us know they were heading to Ofunato City on the northeast coast. They began searching at dawn the next day.

March 15: Report from Gary Durian, L.A. County Fire“It rained Tuesday, snowed all night, and is still snowing. Space heaters in the gym are helping to keep the Task Force personnel and the dogs warm when they’re not out searching. We are “delayering” an area—Task Force members remove a layer of debris after it is searched and then we work the next layer. We are divided into groups. Hunter and Joe are out searching now. When they finish, Cadillac, Baxter, and Riley will take their place. Pearl is resting today. The devastation from the tsunami is just unbelievable. The dogs are searching well and all their training has definitely paid off.”

March 16: Report from Billy Monahan, L.A. County Fire“It has been extremely cold—down in the 40’s and 50’s during the day. We worked all six dogs long and hard to cover as much ground as we could during daylight hours, racing the clock to find live victims. The dogs thrive in cold weather, which is why they could work for so long in such difficult terrain. We went out in groups of two to search each neighborhood and clear the area as quickly as pos-sible. All our training and experience, great cold weather gear, and the food and supplements we give our dogs made this kind of intensive searching possible.”

“You can imagine my joy, relief, and pride, when I saw the buses carrying the 74 members of L.A. Task Force 2 roll into the receiving area. The handlers looked tired and relieved, but also cheerful and upbeat, and so proud of their dogs! The welcoming crowd was full of warmth, admiration and appreciation. Though no survivors were found during the search, we are all so grateful to the teams, knowing they brought great comfort to the dev-astated community, assuring residents that everything possible had been done to find survivors.”

–SDF Founder Wilma Melville

March 19: Report from Eric Gray, Santa Barbara County Fire“Just being at this deployment to Japan was life-changing for me. We were surrounded by complete destruction. I realized that the objects I was walk-ing on had come from somewhere else far away. At first, it was challenging just to get your head around it all. Seeing the dogs function in this ex-treme search environment completely validated all the training we have done.”

Donna Gray: “I just got off the phone with my husband. He and Riley are doing well and the entire team is tired but in good spirits. He always thought Riley was a talented search dog, but he’s seen him do things today that impressed him more than he could have ever imagined. He’s humbled by everyone’s prayers and support.”

On March 19th, family and friends gathered at the Task Force staging area near Los Angeles to welcome the teams home. SDF’s Board Chair, Executive Director, Program Supervisor and Founder were there to greet the teams.

Eric Gray & Riley and the L.A. teams arrive at Misawa Air Base Photo: USAID Staff Sgt. Marie Brown - Air Force

Hunter brings comfort to earthquake survivors Photo: Steve Chin

Billy & Hunter Photo CA-TF2

Eric & Riley, Billy & Hunter, Gary & Baxter, Linda & Joe, Ron & Pearl, Jasmine & Cadillac 11

J A P A N E A R T H Q U A K E & T S U N A M I 2 0 1 1

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ABBYOctober 30, 1997 ~ September 24, 2011

Abby holds a special place in the hearts of ev-eryone at SDF, as the daughter of Wilma Mel-ville’s Search Dog, Murphy (whose deployment with Wilma to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 inspired the creation of the Search Dog Foundation). Abby bounded through her train-ing and was partnered with handler Debra To-sch. Five deployments—the World Trade Center, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, La Con-chita mudslide, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita—finely honed the skills of this team. When Debra became SDF’s Executive Director, Abby was partnered with veteran handler Ron Weckbacher. The two deployed twice: to a mudslide in Or-ange County and the Metrolink train crash in Chatsworth, CA. After retirement, Abby was at SDF headquarters every day until she passed on. Abby was the last of SDF’s canine heroes who searched at Ground Zero to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Dog Donor: Wilma Melville; Prep Home: Kim Uhlich Guardians: Betty Izant, June Yanaginuma

CAPPYJanuary 13, 2000 ~ June 1, 2011

Cappy was donated by his owner, Ray Goodrich, who recognized the dog’s amazing drive and donated him to SDF. Cappy was partnered with veteran handler Gary Smith and the team achieved FEMA Certification in 2005. They were deployed to Houston as part of the Hurricane Rita response. After 30 years with the Ventura County Fire Department, 13 of which were spent training Search Dogs, Gary and Cappy retired to Fairfield, VA to enjoy some splendid retirement time together.

Dog Donor: Ray Goodrich; Prep Home: Wendy Wharton Sponsor: Dodson Foundation.

DUKEAugust 22, 1997 ~ August 8, 2011

Duke, a strong Chocolate Lab, was paired with Santa Barbara County firefighter Howard Orr in 1999. The team responded to numerous deploy-ments during their 9-year career, including the Echo Park Building Collapse, World Trade Cen-ter disaster, Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, La Conchita mudslide, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Paso Robles Earthquake. They did much to raise awareness about canine disaster search, visiting school children and community groups and representing SDF to the media. Duke continued to help train our rookie handlers until he crossed the Rainbow Bridge just days before his 14th birthday.

Sponsor: B & B Foundation

LUKENovember 8, 2001 ~ December 2, 2011

Luke was a littermate of Search Dog Sandy, partnered with Dave Ramsey of South San Francisco Fire. Luke was paired with veteran SDF handler Marc Valentine in December 2004, and trained to be a Human Remains Detection Search Dog. What a delightful and active pair these two brothers were! While he did not find live humans buried beneath the rubble of di-sasters, Luke was trained to give rapid closure to grieving families following disasters, working “paw in paw” with his fellow live-find Search Dogs. Luke enjoyed his retirement years at home with the Valentine family in Montebello, CA along with Marc’s two live-find Search Dogs Val and Rico.

Dog Donor: Bicky Townsend

MOCHAMarch 22, 1999 ~ August 14, 2011

Mocha, a small but powerful Chocolate Lab, was donated to SDF by Guide Dogs of America of Sylmar, CA. Mocha’s energy was just too much for the Guide Dog companion program, so she was donated to SDF and partnered with handler John Thomas of Murrieta Fire Depart-ment. During their career they were deployed to the California mudslides, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Dean. Mocha greatly enjoyed her retirement at home with John and his family in Murrieta, CA, overseeing the training of John’s young Search Dog, Jack.

Dog Donor: Guide Dogs of America; Prep Home: Miki Klocke Guardians: Jane & Donald May

ROSSFebruary 12, 1997 ~ June 3, 2011

Ross was paired with Kern County Fire Captain Brian Marshall in 1999. Ross, a slim Black Lab, was energy in action. The team deployed several times, to the train derailment in Commerce City and Hurricane Katrina. As one of the first dogs placed in Kern County, CA, Ross set the bar high for his teammates to emulate. Ross retired from service in 2007 and enjoyed his remaining years in Bakersfield, CA with Brian and his family.

SIERRAOctober 20, 1997 ~ September 2, 2011

Sierra, a delightful Golden with a great sense of humor, was paired with California City firefighter Robert Paris in 1999. This colorful team went on to achieve FEMA Certification in 2001. Sierra and Robert trained with their fellow SDF Search Teams in Kern County, CA for many years before retiring in 2007. Sierra, playful through the years, retired to a life of ease as a pet at home with the Paris family in Lancaster, CA.

T H E R A I N B O W B R I D G E

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Andy Years of Service 2005 – 2011

Handler Russell Tao, Chino Valley Fire Orange County Task Force 5

Named After: Andrea Haberman Rescued by Amy Lubeck and Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin Sponsor: John Bosman – California Federation of Job’s Daughters

Guardian: Lori Corradi

AspenYears of Service 2003-2011

Handler Kelly Gordon, Montebello Police San Diego Task Force 8

Donated by Jeff & Jill Wenig Sponsors: Judy & Harry Friedman, CH2M Hill

Guardian: Sue Officer

Hero Years of Service 2003 – 2011

Handler Su Vodrazka, Los Angeles County Sheriff Orange County Task Force 5

Donated by Miki Klocke, Bo Harper, Lori Mohr Prep Home: Ben & Wendy Larner

Sponsor: Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project

Dawson Years of Service 2004-2011

Handler Ronald Weckbacher, Los Angeles County Task Force 2 Donated by Kellee Matthews

Sponsor: Nancy Stone; Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP Guardians: Judy Ross, Judy & Darrel Sneed, Kathy Weaver

& Chip Gamble, Joyce Wire

Val Years of Service 2000-2011

Handler Marc Valentine, Montebello Fire Orange County Task Force 5

Donated by Canine Companions for Independence Sponsor: Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project

Ranger Years of Service 2003-2011

Handler Deresa Teller, Los Angeles City Fire Los Angeles City Task Force 1

Donated by Deresa Teller Prep Home: Rosemary Schumacher

Sponsors: Allstate California, Rotary Club of Simi Sunset, CFWC Moorpark Women’s Fortnightly Club Guardian: Linda Vargo

Maverick Years of Service 2005 – 2011

Handler Jason Vasquez, Los Angeles County Fire Los Angeles County Task Force 2

Donated by Karen McLaughlin and German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California Prep Home: Bob Seay

Sponsor: America’s Tire Company, Lynn & Glenn Cardoso Guardians: Joan Risse, Anita & Thomas Lewis

R E T I R E D T E A M S

The Search Dog Foundation supports its teams from their initial train-ing through Certification and full deployment readiness. Thanks to our supporters, we’re also able to offer a Search Team Fund to our handlers, which includes grants for training equipment and travel, canine medical insurance, nutritional supplements, dog food vouchers, joint health supplements, and an arthritis treatment for the older dogs. The total value of these benefits in 2011 was $162,464.

The Handlers Grants In 2011, SDF awarded 23 Handlers Grants totaling $17,000 to help them achieve and maintain the highest skill level.

Pets Best® Canine InsuranceSince 2010, SDF has offered health insurance for every canine in our program, active and retired, whose insurance is not taken care of by their Task Force. The program covers all of the canine’s medical expenses – from routine vaccinations and check-ups to emergency care.

Acute Medical CareFor medical expenses not covered by insurance, SDF covered the following treat-ments, and we’re happy to report that the dogs are all doing well:

“In May, Sharon and I noticed that Ellie wasn't eating and was le-thargic. We took her to a local vet but he couldn't find the cause. The second vet we went to took an x-ray and saw a mass in her lungs. We headed straight for UC Davis vet hospital – 3½ hours away. While en route we called SDF and they assured us the Foundation would pay for anything our insur-ance didn't cover. This was such a huge help to us, as we were able to focus on Ellie without worrying about the cost of treatment and how much we’d have to dip into our savings to pay for it. They had to remove one of the five compartments in her lungs, but she healed quickly, and was back to work within a month—out on the rubble pile and ready for action. It was a big scare, but knowing SDF is in our corner made all the difference.”

Eric Hanzelka, Carmel Valley Fire

“I am honored to be a part of such a great organization. The fact that there’s a Handlers Grant to help us achieve our goal of deployment readiness is incredible. I was very grateful for the grant I received in 2011 which allowed me to take a Canine Search Specialist Course in Texas. The course was extremely valuable to Ben and me—it helped us sharpen our skills in preparation for the Certification test. We passed! We’re now deployable!”

Eric Darling, Boeing Fire

Baxter Neurological imaging and testing Comet Partial tail amputation and treatment Ellie Partial lung removal Hobbes Partial removal of jaw due to cancer Jagger Ongoing chiropractic treatment Joe Treatment for skin allergy Luke Oncology consultation and treatment Rico Treatment for a torn toenail Taz Ear canal surgery Tigger Treatment for leg injury Val Treatment for a neurological-muscular disorder Wylie Ongoing bladder issue

Canine Healthcare

Congratulations to our 2011 HANDLERS GRANT recipients!

Colorado & Utah training exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Boggeri & Nino, Michele Vaughn & CometTexas training exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Ivy & Jakers, Dave Stoddard & RowdyPurchase of agility ladders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County Training GroupPurchase of radios and agility equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Training GroupPurchase of canine lifting harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chet Clark & ElvisCertification Evaluation, Irvine, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Mengell & NelsonCertification Preparation, Salt Lake City, UT . . . . . . . . . Linda D’Orsi & Cody, Kyle Thomas & LeilaCertification Evaluation, Denver, CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Gordon & MattieCanine Search Specialist Training, College Station, TX . . Eric Darling & Ben, Mike Hargrove & HaydenPurchase of GPS/radios and canine lifting harnesses . . . Jeff Leon & Justice, Adrienne Seibel & Danni, Vincent Stoops & Magnum, Judy Zinn & RoycePurchase of agility equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa Training GroupPurchase of GPS units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keri Grant & Tucker, Patti Krafft & Hula, Laurel Pitman & Sonic

Eric Hanzelka & Ellie Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

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Eric Darling & Ben, training in College Station, Texas

Acute Conditions Covered in 2011:

Comet climbing a ladder, handler Michele Vaughn following

Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

S E A R C H T E A M F U N D

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Our Generous SponsorsSDF is very grateful to the following individuals and foundations for providing these important benefits to SDF’s Search Teams:

HANDLERS GRANTS SDF’s Board of Directors, the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The Dardin Fund, and CFWC-Sierra Cahuenga District

CANINE HEALTHCARE FUND The Armstrong Foundation, Otilia & Emma Diaz, The Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation

PRODUCT DONATIONS Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.. . . www.boehringer-ingelheim.comHealthyPets, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.healthypets.com/irondogMars Petcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.wisdompanel.comThe Nutro Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nutro.comSearchDogsUSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.SearchDogsUSA.com

IronDog Brand Joint Supplement®

In 2008, SDF partnered with HealthyPets, Inc. to produce our own chewable IronDog® Brand Joint Supplement that supports healthy joints and connective tissues in our canines. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of SearchDogsUSA, all SDF Search Teams, active and retired, received the supplement at no cost in 2011.

“Every morning Sonic sits up and begs for his IronDog treats! He’s very active and agile – running, jumping and climbing are part of his daily training. I have no doubt that IronDog supplements will help keep him searching with strong, healthy joints for years to come."

– Laurel Pitman, Dallas Fire-Rescue

Nutro Vouchers Since 2002, The Nutro Company has provided NATURAL CHOICE® brand food vouchers to all FEMA-Certified Search Teams in the country and all SDF dogs—an annual donation valued at over $80,000. NATURAL CHOICE® became the Official Dog Food Sponsor of the Search Dog Foundation in 2008 and currently fuels most of SDF’s Search Teams.

Metacam®

Since 2006, SDF has partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. to of-fer the anti-inflammatory medication Metacam® to all SDF Search Dogs for relief from arthritis pain when prescribed by their veterinarian.

Sonic frolicking in the flowers Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

Search Dog Lilly-Belle going strong Photo: Jennifer Tapp

“Lilly-Belle is now 11 years old and still doing search work thanks to Metacam! She sustained a right shoulder and elbow injury while searching on a rubble pile two years ago. I used Metacam to help with inflammation from the injury and have continued to use it for Lilly-Belle’s age and injury related arthritis. With help from Metacam, Lilly-Belle was able to re-certify with FEMA for live disaster search!”

– Julie Padelford-Jansen, Florida Task Force 2

"Getting free vouchers for Natural Choice is a great ben-efit to all the handlers. We make sure we give our dogs the best of everything, and getting quality food gets very expensive. The generous donation from Nutro has kept Danni happy, healthy, and in great shape with a beautiful skin and coat!"

– Adrienne Seibel, Tulsa Fire Department

S E A R C H T E A M F U N D

Adrienne Seibel & Danni Photo: Jennifer Tapp

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Aide Barbat & Sarge San Diego Fire-Rescue

Certification: June 2011 Donated by Julia Ford of Pro Active Canines

Sponsor: McGrath Family Foundation

Tom Carney & GypsySouth San Francisco Fire

Re-Certification: June 2011 Donated by Deresa Teller Prep Home: Stacey Ayub Sponsor: Danielle Boulet

Guardians: Geoffrey & Susan Leach, Carol & John Marengo

Linda D’Orsi & Haley Chula Vista Fire

Certification: November 2011 Donated by Nancy King

Prep Home: Karen Klingberg Sponsors: Janet & Greg Van Huisen,

CFWC – Sierra Cahuenga District Guardians: Ruth Ann Simpson, Nuelda & Russell Ames

Davis Doty & Jester Orange County Fire Authority Re-Certification: June 2011

Donated by Penny Woodruff and High Sierra Animal Rescue

Sponsor: The Nutro Company, Inc. Guardian: Martha Deming

Eric Darling & Ben Boeing Fire

Certification: June 2011 Donated by Janet Eisen

Sponsor: Janet & Greg Van Huisen Guardians: Marina Jordan, Jane Devlin, Jan Rose,

Deborah Cornils

Kelly Gordon & Mattie Montebello Police Department Certification: September 2011

Donated by Canine Companions for Independence

Sponsors: Fran Toll, Judy & Harry Friedman, CH2M Hill Guardians: Sue Officer, Patricia Steman

Keri Grant & Tucker McKinney Fire

Certification: June 2011 Donated by Yolo County Animal Services

Guardians: Janet & Richard Schmidt

Certification by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) is the highest level of disaster search readiness recognized in the United States. It marks a critical milestone for a Canine Disaster Search Team, and means the team can be deployed to disasters as part of their Task Force.

We hope that you take pride in the achievements of the teams you support, and join us in congratulating the fol- lowing SDF Search Teams who achieved Certification or Re-Certification in 2011.

S E A R C H T E A M M I L E S T O N E S

One of the highlights of my job as Executive Director is attending the FEMA and SUSAR Certification tests in support of our teams. As a former handler, I truly appreciate the time and hard work the teams have put in to get to this milestone.

As I watch, I can sense the handlers’ nervousness as they begin, know-ing the dog will sense this through the leash. It’s a relief as I watch them as they settle in to their routine. I love seeing the pride in their faces when the first “survivor” is found in the huge rubble pile. There

is a sensation of joy watching the dog having the time of its life doing what it was born to do: SEARCH! It’s definitely nerve-wracking waiting until the end of the day to see if the evaluators felt the same about the team’s performance as I did while watching.

At the end of a long day, when the Certificates are handed out to the teams that passed, I think to myself: this is only the beginning. I know the handlers and their canines will con-tinue to learn and grow as a team so that when they are called upon to save lives, they have an arsenal of finely tuned skills to call upon. – Debra Tosch, SDF Executive Director

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Marshia Hall & Trapper Temple Terrace Fire

Re-Certification: May 2011 Donated by Guide Dogs of America Sponsors: Danielle & Jason Connor,

The Allstate Foundation – Florida Region Guardians: Joan Ambeault,

Janice & Michael Torres

Eric Hanzelka & Ellie Carmel Valley Fire

Re-Certification: March 2011 Donated by Roxanne Bohn

Sponsor: Diane Wolcott Guardians: Len Hanson, Jamie Kitz

Patti Krafft & HulaDallas Fire-Rescue

Certification: June 2011 Donated by Humboldt County Animal Control

Sponsor: Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project

Guardian: Terri Earnest

Andrew Pitcher & Chief Nebraska Task Force 1

Certification: May 2011 Named in memory of Chief Mike McGroarty

Donated by Roice Hurst Humane Society Sponsor: Lynn & Glenn Cardoso

Guardians: Barbara & Michael Phelps, Michael Walker

Steve MacDonald & Lilly Nebraska Task Force 1

Certification: September 2011 Donated by Ellen Perryess and the San Luis

Obispo County Animal Shelter Sponsor: Julie Brandau Community Service

Memorial Project

Jasmine Segura & CadillacLos Angeles County Fire

Re-Certification: April 2011 Donated by Guide Dogs for the Blind

Puppy Raisers: Mike Bennett, Debbie Combs, Dera Lang Sponsors: Gloria Balcom,

Montclair College Preparatory School Guardians: Karen Kamp, Nancy Stone

Russell Tao & Major Chino Valley Fire

Certification: April 2011 Named in memory of Retired Officer William John Major

Donated by Nona Bauer Prep Home: Jill & Jeff Wenig

Sponsors: Ann Mangini-Major, Job’s Daughters of CA Guardians: Lori Corradi, Jeff & Jill Wenig

Doug Van Iwaarden & WylieOrange County Fire Authority

Re-Certification: November 2011 Donated by Guide Dogs of America Prep Home: Kellee & Tim Matthews

Sponsors: Sharon Farrar and CFWC Marina District Guardian: Beatrice King

Johnny Subia & Lola Seaside Fire

Re-Certification: March 2011 Donated by Dr. James Pogrel and Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center

Sponsors: Dr. Benjamin Hendrix, DVM and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Guardian: Gloria Chavarria

Laurel Pitman & Sonic Dallas Fire-Rescue

Certification: June 2011 Donated by The Animal Foundation Sponsor: Katy Trail Animal Hospital

Guardians: Tom & Susan Ginnity

2 0 1 1 C E R T I F I C A T I O N S

Shelter Spotlight: Sacramento SPCAThe Sacramento SPCA has found 10 canines for SDF – more than any other shelter – thanks to SDF volunteer Andrea Bergquist, wife of Sacramento City firefighter and SDF Handler Chris Bergquist. Andrea has spent countless hours evaluating potential can-didates and coordinating with Heidi Miller-Mercer, one of SDF’s two Canine Recruiters.

“I can’t say enough good things about this shelter,” says Andrea. “It stands out as a modern, well-run, clean, and organized facil-ity. The staff is outstanding!” Even Andrea and Chris’ two sons, Charlie and Jack, get in-volved: “I want to show them what it means to volunteer and to be a part of something so meaningful and special. We’ve been out in the wind and rain and heat, but they seem to love the mud the best!”

In August of 2011, Lilah—a Sacramento SPCA recruit—was partnered with veteran SDF Handler Marshia Hall, and the team achieved Certification only eight months later, in March of 2012. Some of the canines SDF recruited from the shelter weren’t quite cut out for disaster search, but are thriving in other search professions. Cody has joined the Santa Paula Police Department’s arson investigation team. Six other special canines from the Sacramento SPCA have also found their “fur-ever” home in our Lifetime Care program.

We are so grateful to the Sacramento SPCA, and look forward to seeing what new canine talent they will discover!

Lilah with her partner, veteran SDF Handler Marshia Hall of Temple Terrace Fire, Florida Task Force 4 Photo: Jennifer Tapp

CANINE RESCUE PARTNERS

A New Leash On Life, Inc. - Brownsboro, AL Adopt a Rescue Pet - Las Vegas, NV Agoura Hills Animal Shelter - Agoura Hills, CA All Retriever Rescue Foundation - Redlands, CA Amador County Animal Shelter - Martell, CA Animal Adoption Foundation - Hamilton, OH Companion Animal Trust - Jersey City, NJ Animal Compassion Team - Squaw Valley, CA Animal Friends Rescue Project - Pacific Grove, CA Animal Rescue Foundation - Walnut Creek, CA Animal Rescue of Fresno - Fresno, CA Animal Rescue Volunteers - Simi Valley, CA Animal Shelter Adoption Partners - San Luis Obispo, CA Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley - Hailey, ID Animal Welfare Department - Albuquerque, NM Annie’s Orphans - Durango, CO Antelope Valley Adoption Center - Lancaster, CA Arizona Golden Retriever Connection - Scottsdale, AZ Aussie Breed Rescue - Quartz Hill, CA Bakersfield SPCA - Bakersfield, CA Basic Alliance for the Rescue of K9s - Simi Valley, CA Berkeley Animal Care Services - Berkeley, CA Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society - Berkeley, CA Best Friends Animal Society - Kanab, UT Big Dog Rescue - Pengrove, CA Bones Pet Rescue - Covelo, CA Border Collie Breed Rescue - Santa Ana, CA Border Collie Rescue - Victorville, CA Border Collie Rescue of California - El Mirage, CA Border Collie Rescue of Northern California - Castroville, CA Border Collies In Need, Inc. - Phelan, CA Burbank Animal Shelter - Burbank, CA Butte County Humane Society - Chico, CA Butte Humane Society - Chico, CA Butte Sink Ret. - Maxwell, CA Calaveras County Animal Shelter - San Andreas, CA Calaveras County Humane Society - Vallecito, CA California Arkansas Retriever Rescue Effort - Willits, CA Camp K-9 of Marin - Corte Madera, CA Canine Adoption and Rescue League - Santa Paula, CA Canine Companions for Independence - Oceanside, CA Canine Companions for Independence - Santa Rosa, CA Canine Support Teams - Galt, CA Caring Animal-Loving Friends - Jamaica Estates, NY Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue - Stockton, CA Central California SPCA - Fresno, CA Chequamegon Humane Society - Ashland, WI City of Avenal Animal Control - Avenal, CA City Of Irvine Animal Care Center - Irvine, CA City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services - Los Angeles, CA City of Sacramento Animal Care & Control - Sacramento, CA City of Shasta Lake Animal Control - Shasta Lake City, CA City of Stockton Animal Control - Stockton, CA City of Tulare - Tulare, CA Clovis Animal Shelter - Clovis, CA Colville Pet Rescue - Colville, WA Companions for Life/Big Bear Paws Rescue - Pinon Hills, CA Contra Costa County Animal Services Department - Martinez, CA Corning Animal Shelter - Corning, CACounty of Salano Animal Care and Control - Fairfield, CACounty of San Diego Department of Animal Services - San Diego, CA County of Santa Barbara Animal Services - Lompoc, CACrystal Coast Animal Protection League - Morehead City, NCDaisy Dog Rescue - Riverside, CADAWG Dog Adoption Welfare Group - Santa Barbara, CADel Norte County Humane Society - Crescent City, CADesert Labrador Retriever Rescue - Phoenix, AZDoberman Rescue - Fillmore, CADos Palos Animal Control - Dos Palos, CAEarl Wood Obrien’s Boarding & Training Kennels - Roseville, CAEast Bay SPCA - Oakland, CAEast Valley Animal Shelter - Van Nuys, CAEl Dorado County Animal Control - Placerville, CAFalcon Crest Kennels - Cumming, GAFlathead County Animal Shelter - Kalispell, MTFor the Love of Animals - Elmsford, NYForever Friends Golden Retriever Rescue - Moorpark, CAFriends for Pets Foundation - Sun Valley, CAFriends of Mendocino Coast Animal Shelter - Mendocino, CAGerman Shepherd Rescue - Burbank, CAGerman Shepherd Rescue of Northern California - Acampo, CAGerman Shepherd Rescue of Orange County - Newport Beach, CAGerman Shepherd Rescue of Southeastern Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PAGifted Animal Placement - Haslet, TXGifted Animal Placement - Aledo, TXGold Haven-Golden Retriever Rescue - Littlerock, CAGolden Bond Golden Retriever Rescue of Oregon - Portland, ORGolden Gate Lab Retriever Rescue - San Francisco, CAGolden Opportunities Golden Retriever Rescue - Carol Stream, ILGolden Rescue - Salinas, CAGolden Retriever Club - Bourne, MAGolden Retriever Foundation - Overland Park, KSGolden Retriever Foundation - Elkhorn, NEGolden Retriever Rescue - Leona Valley, CAGolden Retriever Rescue of Central New York - Jamesville, NYGolden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin, Inc. - Watertown, WIGrateful Dogs Rescue - San Francisco, CAGRC of San Diego County Rescue Services - Jamul, CAGreater California German Shepherd Rescue - Modesto, CAGuide Dogs for the Blind - San Rafael, CAGuide Dogs for the Blind - Boring, OR

Guide Dogs of America - Sylmar, CAHappy Dog Rescue - Osborn, MOHave A Heart Humane Society - Tehachapi, CAHaven Humane Society - Redding, CAHawthorne Animal Shelter - Hawthorne, NVHeart of Texas Lab Rescue - Austin, TXHeaven Can Wait Sanctuary - Las Vegas, NVHelp Animals Lives Today - Kingman, AZHigh Sierra Animal Rescue - Portola, CAHollister Animal Control - Hollister, CAHollister Police Department, Animal Control Bureau - Hollister, CAHollywood Dog Training School - North Hollywood, CAHomeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York - Albany, NYHomeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. - Elverta, CAHumane Society of Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge, GAHumane Society of Calaveras County - Murphys, CAHumane Society of Central Oregon - Bend, ORHumane Society of Napa Valley - Napa, CAHumane Society of Redmond - Redmond, ORHumane Society of Sonoma County - Santa Rosa, CAHumane Society of the Ochocos - Prineville, ORHumane Society Silicon Valley - Santa Clara, CAHumane Society Silicon Valley - Milpitas, CAHumboldt County Animal Control - McKinleyville, CAIndependent Lab Rescue - Los Angeles, CAJackson County Animal Care & Control Center - Phoenix, ORJosephine County Animal Shelter - Grants Pass, ORKaptain’s Kennels - Marble, MNKauai Humane Society - Lihue, HIKern County Animal Shelter - Bakersfield, CAKings County Animal Control - Hanford, CAKings County SPCA - Hanford, CAKurth Memorial Animal Shelter - Lufkin, TXLab Rescue - Clovis, CALab Rescuers - La Mesa, CALab Rescuers - La Mesa, CALabrador Retriever Rescue of Florida - Winter Park, FLLabradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group - San Diego, CALabs And Buddies Animal Rescue - Westlake Village, CALabs4Rescue - Killingworth, CTLane County Animal Services - Eugene, ORLassen Humane Society - Susanville, CALeesville Animal Clinic - Raleigh, NCLindsay Animal Control - Lindsay, CALodi Animal Shelter - Lodi, CALone Star SPCA - Midland, TXLongmont Humane Society - Longmont, COLos Angeles Animal Services Admin. /East Valley Shelter - Los Angeles, CALos Angeles County Animal Care & Control - Lancaster, CALos Angeles County Animal Care and Control - Castaic, CALos Banos Animal Shelter - Gilroy, CAMadera County Animal Shelter - Madera, CAMaricopa County Animal Care and Control - Phoenix, AZMarin Humane Society - Novato, CAMarley’s Mutts Dog Rescue - Bear Valley, CAMary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center - Riverside, CAMcPaws Regional Animal Shelter - McCall, IDMendocino County Animal Shelter - Ukiah, CAMerced County Animal Shelter - Atwater, CAMidland Animal Services - Midland, TXMidland SPCA - Midland, TXMidwest Labrador Retriever Rescue - Lombard, ILMikey’s Chance - Kennewick, WAMonterey Bay Hunting Retriever Club - Carmel, CAMonterey County Animal Control - Salinas, CAMonterey County Animal Services - Salinas, CAMoreno Valley Animal Shelter - Moreno Valley, CANapa County Animal Shelter - Napa, CANational Duck Tolling Retriever Club - Florissant, CONebraska Border Collie Rescue - Bellevue, NENebraska Humane Society - Omaha, NENevada County Animal Shelter - Grass Valley, CANevada Humane Society - Reno, NVNew Western County/City Animal Shelter - Riverside, CANewport Animal Shelter - Newport, TNNorCal Golden Retriever Rescue - Lodi, CANorth Shore Animal League America - Port Washington, NYNorth West SPCA - Oroville, CANorthwest Vizsla Rescue Alliance, Inc. - Portland, OROakland Animal Shelter - Oakland, CAOrcas Animal Protection Society - Eastsound, WAOregon Dog Rescue - Portland, OROsh Kosh Area Humane Society - Osh Kosh, WISanta Barbara County Animal Services - Goleta, CAPacific Northwest Border Collie Rescue - Edmonds, WAPalo Alto Animal Services - Palo Alto, CAPalo Alto Humane Society - Menlo Park, CAPanhandle Animal Shelter - Ponderay, IDPasadena Humane Society - Pasadena, CAPAWS - San Francisco, CAPeninsula Humane Society and SPCA - San Mateo, CAPeople Assisting Lodi Shelter - Lodi, CAPet Adoption Network/National Cattle Dog Rescue Group - Carlton, ORPet Orphans - Van Nuys, CAPets In Need - Redwood City, CAPets N Pals Rescue - Lathrop, CAPhenix Dogs - Ignacio, COPlacer County Animal Services - Auburn, CAPlacer SPCA - Roseville, CAPorterville Animal Control - Porterville, CAPrairie Oasis Animal Shelter - Shelby, MT

Partners that donated dogs in 2011 are noted in BLUE, partners that donated dogs in 2012 are noted in RED:

Our thanks to volunteer pilot Ben Short who recently transported Roxy from the Sacramento SPCA Photo: Wilma Melville

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T H E Q U E S T F O R C A N I N E S

SDF's Canine Recruiters travel thousands of miles each year to find the next great Search Dog. In 2011, Canine Recruiter Heidi Miller- Mercer and I, with the help of volunteers, visited 106 shelters and breed rescue groups and evaluated 536 dogs they hoped would have the drive, focus, athleticism and tenac-ity needed for disaster search. Of those we

admitted to the program, 21 dogs have been or will soon be part-nered with handlers. Those released from training enter our Lifetime Care program where we find another career (such as bomb or narcot-ics detection) or find a loving family for them.

– Lyz Gregory, SDF Canine Recruiter

For more info about Canine Recruitment, contact Lyz at Lyz@SearchDogFoundation.org or (805) 573-2735

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Mojo Found!by SDF Canine Recruiter Lyz Gregory

No two recruitment days are the same. Row after row of potential candidates greet me at every shel-ter. Up and down, up and down, I swing my tennis ball toy, watching each set of eyes watching me. One glances briefly at me, then away. The next dog retreats to the back of the cage, overwhelmed by my presence. The next shows a glimmer of interest, which I almost miss.

He is dog number 10 at shelter number three on today’s ex-pedition. I shuffle into the shelter office hoping this dog isn’t adopted, or unavailable, or has a note that says, “He only bit her once.”

Dog number 10 is a wild card. He is an “owner-surrender” with no background information. Within a few minutes I un-derstand how he ended up here. The first 30 seconds are composed of him peeing on everything, including me. The rest of the time I try to fend him off as he tries to climb me in an effort to reach the ball I’m holding over my head. This is the enthusiasm we’re looking for! Test completed, I load my new Search Dog candidate “Mojo” into the van and he celebrates with nonstop barking. I smile, hoping tomorrow will be just as good as today.

Lyz shows volunteers from L.A. County Animal Care & Control of Castaic how to evaluate a canine for disaster search Photo: Francisco Herrera

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge - Oakland, NJRavens Gate Border Collie Rescue - Stanwood, WARedlands Animal Shelter - Redlands, CARescue a Golden of Arizona - Phoenix, AZRetrieve a Golden of Minnesota - Hopkins, MNRetrievers and Friends of Southern California - Temecula, CARidgecrest Animal Care and Control - Ridgecrest, CARio Grande Valley Golden Retriever Club Inc. - Albuquerque, NMRiverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center - Riverside, CARobbins Rescued Russells - June Lake, CARoice Hurst Humane Society - Clifton, CORottweiler Rescue - Acton, MESacramento County Animal Care & Control - Sacramento, CASacramento SPCA - Sacramento, CASaddleback Valley Humane Society and SPCA - Mission Viejo, CASafe Harbor Lab Rescue - Golden, COSalinas Animal Control - Salinas, CASalinas Animal Shelter - Salinas, CASalt Lake City Humane Society – Salt Lake City, UTSammie’s Friends - Grass Valley, CASan Bernardino City Department of Animal Control - Panama City, FLSan Bernardino County Animal Shelter - San Bernardino, CASan Diego County Animal Control - San Diego, CASan Diego Humane Society and SPCA - San Diego, CASan Diego County Animal Shelter - Bonita, CASan Francisco Animal Care and Control - San Francisco, CASan Francisco SPCA - San Francisco, CASan Gabriel Humane Society - San Gabriel, CASan Joaquin Kennel Club - Stockton, CASan Jose City Shelter - San Jose, CASan Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter - San Luis Obispo, CASan Martin Animal Shelter - San Martin, CASan Mateo County Animal Control Services - San Mateo, CASanta Barbara AC&C - Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara Animal Care and Control - Santa Maria, CASanta Barbara Humane Society - Santa Barbara, CASanta Clara County Animal shelter - San Martin, CASanta Cruz Animal Control - Santa Cruz, CASanta Cruz County Animal Services - Watsonville, CASanta Cruz SPCA - Santa Cruz, CASanta Maria Valley Humane Society - Santa Maria, CASanta Ynez Valley Humane Society - Buellton, CAScooter’s Pals - Grass Valley, CASeal Beach Animal Care Center - Seal Beach, CASecond Chance at Love Humane Society - Templeton, CASequoia Humane Society - Eureka, CAShafter Animal Control - Shafter, CAShasta County Sheriff Animal Regulation - Redding, CASierra Cares Animal Advocates - Oakhurst, CASilicon Valley Animal Control Authority - Santa Clara, CASiskiyou Humane Society, Inc. - Mt. Shasta, CASnyder Foundation For Animals - Baltimore, MDSo. California Lab Rescue - Long Beach, CASolano SPCA - Vacaville, CASonoma County Animal Shelter - Santa Rosa, CASouth Bay Purebred Rescue - San Jose, CASouth Central Correctional Center - Licking, MOSouthern California German Shepherd Rescue - San Diego, CASouthern California Labrador Retriever Rescue - Palmdale, CASouthern Oregon Humane Society - Medford, ORSPCA LA - Long Beach, CASPCA of Monterey County - Monterey, CASPCA of Texas - Dallas, TXStanislaus Animal Services Agency - Modesto, CAStanislaus County Animal Shelter - Modesto, CA Sutter Butte Canine Rescue - Gridley, CASutter County Animal Control - Yuba City, CASuwannee County Animal Services - McAlpin, FL Tehama County Animal Services - Red Bluff, CAThe Animal Foundation - Las Vegas, NVThe Grace Foundation - El Dorado Hills, CAThe Humane Society of the United States - Washington, DCThumping Tails Animal Rescue - Los Angeles, CATony LaRussa Animal Rescue Foundation - Walnut Creek, CATri City Animal Shelter - Freemont, CATri Valley Animal Rescue - Pleasanton, CATri-City Animal Shelter - Fremont, CATulare County Animal Control - Visalia, CATwin Cedar K-9 - Jackson, CAValley Oaks SPCA - Visalia, CAValley SPCA - Stockton, CAVentura County Animal Regulation - Camarillo, CAVentura County Humane Society - Ojai, CAVictor Valley Animal Protective League - Apple Valley, CAWasco/McFarland Animal Shelter - Wasco, CAWashoe County of: Animal Services Shelter - Reno, NVWatsonville Animal Shelter - Watsonville, CAWestern Arizona Humane Society - Lake Havasu City, AZWestminster Adoption Group and Services - Westminster, CAWestside Animals for Adoption - Patterson, CAWestside German Shepard Rescue of Los Angeles - Woodland Hills, CAWoods Humane Society - San Luis Obispo, CAYolo County Animal Services - Woodland, CAYuba County Sheriff’s Animal Care Services - Olivehurst, CA

CANINE RESCUE PARTNERS(continued from page 18)

Hidden Treasureby SDF Canine Recruiter Heidi Miller-Mercer

Finding a Search Dog candidate is like finding a needle in a haystack. Out of the hundreds of barking, stressed-out, homeless, abandoned dogs I meet, I have to find the one that might someday save a life. Once I find a dog that passes my evaluation, the shelter staff celebrates by sending me on my way with what little history is known about the dog.

It takes some time before we can confirm the dog has what it takes. Some dogs have a limit on how much they can learn. Some lose their drive or focus. When one of these dogs is released from the program it’s beyond hard. Beyond heart-breaking.

The good news is that dogs who do make it as Search Dogs enjoy a wonderful, adventure- and play-filled life with their handler and family.

I wouldn’t trade this experience or this chance to save dogs… to save lives...

for anything.

Royce plants a kiss on his recruiter, Heidi, as Handler Judy Zinn (Oklahoma Task Force 1) looks on Photo: Karyn Newbill

Moxie’s StoryMoxie’s former life had been with a military family at Camp Pendleton, CA. When her owner was deployed overseas, the family sadly sur-rendered her to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai, CA. We received many calls from folks who had seen Moxie at the shelter and thought she should be tested for disaster search.

SDF jumped at the chance to see this special dog, and Pro-gram Supervisor Denise Hess immediately saw her drive and incredible energy level. She began training in September 2011 and was named Moxie by SDF supporter Linda Schot-tel of the Westlake Women’s Club.

“We are all very thankful that SDF has helped so many ani-mals to find a place in life,” says shelter Director Jolene Hoff-

man. “Moxie would never have worked out in an average home, she just was too much energy! Luckily, she has found a place at SDF. It is a blessing for all of us to know that should there be a natural disaster, SDF is here for us.”

Focused and driven as ever, Moxie is expected to graduate from our training program and be partnered with her new handler in the Summer of 2012.

Moxie learns ladder descent Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

Justice’s StoryThis beautiful Golden/Labrador Retriever mix was discov-ered by Leone Sorg, mother of SDF Canine Training Manager Sharon Hanzelka, at Dos Palos Animal Control near Gilroy, CA. He started training on a fateful day: September 11, 2010. SDF trainers immediately recognized his polite, eager-to-please attitude and his talent for searching. “He’s such a pleasure to work with – such an honest, good dog,” said SDF Trainer Kellee Matthews. “He loves the search game and has no idea it’s work!”

In May of 2011, Justice was paired with firefighter-paramed-ic Jeff Leon of Tulsa Fire, Oklahoma Task Force 1. “I liked all the dogs that we had met, but when the trainers let Justice out, I knew I had to be paired up with that dog,” remembers Jeff. “I patiently waited for my turn and when the trainers said ‘Jeff, go get Justice,’ I almost lost it. I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be paired up with this amazing dog that would be not only my partner but my friend for the next 10 years of working together.”

Jeff and Justice, or Team J.J. as their teammates call them, achieved State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) Type I Certification in April 2012.

“It is absolutely amazing that a dog rescued from a shelter, who very well could have been euthanized, is now a rescuer and able to deploy to save lives throughout the state of Oklahoma and the Midwest,” says Jeff.

“Without all of our supporters at SDF, none of this would be possible.”

Justice was named in honor of the Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project (see page 25).

Justice with handler Jeff Leon Photo: Jennifer Tapp

T H E Q U E S T F O R C A N I N E S

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Career Change CaninesOur 2011 Canines are noted in BLUE, our 2012 Canines are in RED:

Bell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Coast GuardBo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Honolulu Police Department)Cajun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detection (in training)Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detectionCody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Medford Police Department)Cody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arson detection (Santa Paula Police Department)Davey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Honolulu Police Department)Dougee . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Santa Barbara Police Department)Duncan. . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Grants Pass Police Department)Ginger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detection (in training)Hank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Lompoc Police Department)Jack . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (San Luis Obispo Police Department)Jade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTSD therapy dog (Operation Freedoms Paws)Kilo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Medford Police Department)Maggie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (in training)Malone. . . . . . .Bomb and narcotics detection (CHP Golden Gate Division)Mazale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Sonoma Police Department)Mojo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (in training)Molly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTSD therapy dog (Operation Freedoms Paws)Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (in training)Obie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcotics detection (Private handler)Pala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detection (in training)Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detection (in training)Pogo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detection specialty not yet determined (in training)Rasta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bed bug detection (in training)Remy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcotics detection (Private handler)Rockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Brea Police Department)Shadow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTSD therapy dog (Operation Freedoms Paws)Shaw . . . . . . . . . . . Narcotics detection (Cherry Valley Police Department)Sherlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Coast GuardSnitch. . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcotics detection (Chula Vista Police Department)Tex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcotics detection (Wyoming Highway Patrol)

The Nose Knows: Gabby’s Journey from Disaster Dog to Canine Detective In January of 2008, Guide Dogs for the Blind donated a female Black Lab named Gabby to SDF. She graduated from our training program and was paired with Matt Garrett of Ventura County Fire, but after several months of trying to overcome her dislike of unstable surfaces, it was decided that she would be more successful in another field.

Enter Mary Ann Sampson of the California Narcotic Canines Association, who saw in Gabby the makings of a top drug detection dog. It was a perfect match! Gabby got a new name (“Snitch”), a new handler, and a new career with Chula Vista Po-

lice Department in the narcotics detection division. In the past two years, Snitch has made several successful high-profile busts. In 2010, she alerted on 1,200 pounds of marijuana and in 2011, she helped take $8,000 worth of heroin off the streets. Snitch is a star!

Shadow Finds Her True Calling with Operation Freedoms Paws In December of 2011, SDF recruited Shadow from Sacramento SPCA, but after a few weeks he just didn’t have the focus needed for Disaster Search. Around the same time, SDF met Mary Cortani, founder of Operation Freedoms Paws, a nonprofit based in Gilroy, CA that partners dogs with military veterans and people with disabilities. The program empowers its clients by teaching them to train their own dog, making use of the canine-human bond to help them regain their pur-pose and self-esteem. Mary, a veteran herself, teamed Shadow with Desert Storm Veteran Jennifer. Says Mary:

“Prior to being matched with Shadow, Jennifer was very shy and withdrawn, never leaving home except to go to doctor’s appointments. Now she goes out to stores and restaurants, attends training, goes on walks in her neigh-borhood and smiles a lot! Shadow has learned to wake Jennifer from nightmares, refocus her if she starts to panic in public, and bring her back to the present when she has a bad flashback.”

SDF is proud to have partnered with a very special organization that, like us, gives pur-pose to dogs that were once cast aside, and has a passion to help people.

Jennifer & Shadow. A new partner-ship…with a new purposePhoto: Mary Cortani

Snitch poses with some of her findsPhoto: Chula Vista Police Department

Davey & Bo: ALOHA! Davey was recruited from Sacramento County Animal Care & Control but just didn’t have enough focus for Disaster Search. Bo came from WoodsHumane Society in San Luis Obispo, CA but his foot-ing wasn’t stable enough for searching on rubble. Once again, we turned to Mary Ann Sampson, who evaluated both dogs and felt they were a perfect fit for narcotics detection. In February 2012, both dogs moved to Hawaii where they now serve as narcotics canines for the Honolulu Police Depart-ment, one dog working in Kona and the other in Hilo. We look for-ward to regular updates on Davey and Bo’s accomplishments in their new careers!

Bo (left) and Davey (above) take the excitement for their career change job to new heights!

S D F ' S L I F E T I M E C A R E C O M M U N I T Y

'Once rescued, these dogs will never need to be rescued again.' Not every dog SDF recruits ends up having exactly what’s needed for Disaster Search. Some, it turns out, aren’t thrilled about climbing big, shifting piles of rubble and slippery surfaces. Some don’t relish trying over and over again to master a difficult skill. Some dogs lose

the intense DRIVE and FOCUS needed once they find themselves in the comfortable, caring, play-filled SDF training environment. Hap-pily, there’s a silver lining for every canine who doesn’t complete the program. SDF finds a new home for each dog—either as a pet with a loving Lifetime Care family, or as a working dog in a new career. – Kate Horwick, SDF Program Manager

For more info on SDF's Lifetime Care program, contact Kate at Kate@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x109

Lifetime Care HomesOur 2011 Homes are noted in BLUE, our 2012 Homes are in RED:

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Al . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hakker Family Axel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Sandufur Axel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Busa Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Stetser Bart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Debbie Henggeler Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reed Family Belle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Porter Ben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradvica Family Betsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Wilson Blitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vazquez Family Bodie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bree Belyea Brewster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Klingberg Brock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palmer Family Brody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Rink Bubba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Ballard Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Messina Family Buddy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Langford Buddy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davis Family Buster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meagher Family Cachimba . . . . . . . . . . .Garibay Cortes Family Cal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pam Hunt Calvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lance Ueno Calvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mel Cummings Capone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Frost Carter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Ney Chaos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lyz Gregory Cheyenne . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy McWhirter Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Estrada Family Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenneth Weizel Crockett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nickolas Markou Curry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Family Daisey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Alberg Daisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Loftus Danny. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberly Bowen Dibs & Copper . . . . . . . . . . Matthews Family Dillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lenny Roberts Diva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ernie GolpheneeDixie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heidi Casale Dutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Hvolboll Echo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beale Family Einstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Clute Elli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loacker Family Ellie May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rory Cornell Emmie & Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phelps Family Fergie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Horton Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athena Robbins Fresca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lacroix Family Frisbee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuelson Family Genny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darryl Knapp George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Jacobson Griffen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cortes Family Gus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jean Garcia Halley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Roach Harley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frando Family Heinz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Brown Holly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Smith Hydro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joy Lagomarsino Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MacDougall FamilyJackie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kris Gooding Jake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eva Barberi Jake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kim Markstone Jamie & Sydney . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strom Family Jasper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Meyer Jenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Linkman Jenny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esparza Family Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ghen Family Jill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Fay Jimmy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Tait Joey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Talmage Family Joker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Leckrone Joshua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Hirschman

Juno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hannon Family Keeper & Gidget . . . Kelly Davern Ketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becky Beckett Kizzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacoby Family Kona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alison Leete Kona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shearer Family Kuno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Leon Leia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacey Ayub Levi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gorski Family Lexi and Raider . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Combs Logan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Williams Family Lou. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Kucharski Lukas & Obi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wright Family Maddie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tsuchiya Family Madison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brown Family Maggie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvia Lienemann Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mikiel Kingsley Mele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Callender Miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kibler Family Mimi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ilene Mondschein Mindy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viale Family Nala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nicole Stanich Nero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gina Crawford Nick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davidson Family Nikko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dron Family Nugget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donlon Family Oakley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Campbell Ozzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Heath Phantom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Seay Piper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly McCoy Ranger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Selbert Family Reggie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abbey Hull Reggie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bengtson Family Reilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lori Corradi Reno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lentz Family Rex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Tambor Rhett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Metcalf Family Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Baughman Family Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Caryn Woodburn RJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Elizarraz Rocky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McGuirk Family Rocky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meckes Family Roxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Denier Rumble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abitbol Family Rywyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian McBride Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Margaret Walker Selah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schutze Family Shadow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Tacconelli Shane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pfennig Family Sheba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim McDade Shelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mefford Family Spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harper Family Steve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rachel Sedacca Sunny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rose Family Tanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Knitowski Tilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santulli Family Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Heck Toby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron Dow Topa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toni & Dick Matthews Tracer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Knowlton Family Tucker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erskine Family Tucker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lin Family Ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Pulliam Tyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Clark Wolfy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Gutfreund Woody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Brambila Yolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Hirschman Zeke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mauck Family Zelda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Maksoudian Zoey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Combs Family

Great Dogs Seeking Great Homes! We’re always looking for GREAT HOMES (in California) for the GREAT DOGS who don’t make it as Disaster Search Dogs. If you’re looking for the ultimate in love, loyalty, and companionship, become part of our Lifetime Care Community and give a once abandoned dog a new “leash on life.” Each dog we place is:

Trained in basic obedience Micro-chipped Up-to-date on vaccinations Crate-trained Spayed or neutered Backed by SDF

If you or someone you know is looking for a new, furry family member, please contact Program Manager Kate Horwick at (888) 459-4376 ext. 109 or Kate@SearchDogFoundation.org.

Axle Dakota Talon

Tigger Tracer

Betsy takes a breather on a beach in Morro BayPhoto: Christine Wilson

Harley shows us why he’s Top Dog

Maggie and Alan relax at Jalama BeachPhoto: Sylvia Lienemann

Joshua reminds Don why man’s best friend is his dog

Rex and his “brother” Charlie played

reindeer games this last Christmas

Rachel pulls up a chair to enjoy Steve’s companyPhoto: Peacock Photography

Ranger shows us how “wuff “the dog days of summer can be Photo: Patricia Selbert

S D F ' S L I F E T I M E C A R E C O M M U N I T Y

Vinnie

Tildon & Lunn Courson – Guardians of Joe

“I remember reading Wilma’s letter in 1996 introducing the newly formed Search Dog Foundation, after she and her dog Murphy were called to the Oklahoma City bombing. We felt strongly enough about Wilma’s vision to include SDF in our Estate plans. We are so glad to be part of such a meaningful organization, and being Joe’s Guardian is such a unique experience.”

Tildon, Linda Tacconelli, Joe, and Lunn Courson

Jan & Ted Rose – Guardians of Ben

“It is such a joyful thing being a Guardian, and getting a visit from Ben and Eric was a real highlight for me. Our joy is send-ing cards and gifts to Eric and Ben, and hearing from Eric about Ben’s adven-tures! We are making plans to visit the National Training Center soon so I can see our Ben in action!”

Jan and Ted with Ben & Eric

For SDF supporters interested in securing a strong and stable future for the Search Dogs, what better way is there than to include the Search Dog Foundation in your Estate Plans? The Guardian Endowment Fund was established in 2002—after the deployment of our teams to the World Trade Center disaster—and will secure the future of the

Search Teams and help maintain their future home at the National Training Center.

We honor each of our 184 Estate Donors by giving them the opportu-nity to become the “Guardian” of a Search Dog. They closely follow the training and deployments of their Search Dog, get to know the Handler, and become a beloved member of the Team’s extended family.

– Rhett Mauck, SDF Estate Manager

For info on becoming a Search Dog Guardian, or to get reim-bursed for the legal costs associated with making your Estate Gift, contact Rhett at Rhett@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x105

We’re almost there!A message from Wilma

The picture to the right is me, age seven, with my first puppy. The picture below is me last year at age 77 (with two friends, Ranger and Ghillie). Different dogs, same Wilma—in love with res-cuing dogs and training them to save lives.

Frankly, running the Search Dog Foundation and keeping up with the canines isn’t as easy as it used to be. I’ve had to face the fact that I can’t continue at this pace forever, and need to think about the future of SDF. Like most of you, I’ve had to make some tough choices when it comes to my will. As we all know, tomorrow always comes a day too soon and you never know what’s going to happen around that next bend– and that’s why I went ahead and made my Estate Gift to SDF. I invite you to do the same! It’s a great way to

help ensure the longevity of our mission so that we can pass the baton to the next generation of staff, volunteers, firefighters…and those incredible canines.

When we created the Guardian Endowment Fund, I set a goal to welcome 200 Estate Donors to our family of supporters. With 184 Estate Donors, we’re almost there! With the opening of the Training Center right around the corner, there is no better time than now to be-come part of SDF’s future. Come join me, folks!

Guardian Gladeat the future site of SDF’s National Training Center

The “Guardian Glade,” unveiled on September 11, 2011, is a beautifully landscaped and serene retreat nestled in a quiet corner of the National Training Center next to the Canine Memorial. The “Guardian Wall” is the centerpiece of the Glade. The individual tiles honor SDF donors who have made the Search Dog Foundation part of their personal legacy by including SDF in their Estate Plans.

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S E A R C H D O G G U A R D I A N S

*Barbara (Camarillo, CA) - Nino*Diane (Thousand Oaks, CA) - Annie*Doreen (Danville, CA) - Zoey*Janice (Thousand Oaks, CA) - Callie*Jeffrey & Mary (Nipomo, CA) - Riley*Judy (Ojai, CA) - Dawson*Mary (Carmel Valley, CA) - Comet*Sue (Pasadena, CA) - Mattie*Wilma (Santa Paula, CA)

Anonymous (Boca Raton, FL) Anonymous (Delray Beach, FL) Anonymous (Melbourne, FL) Anonymous (Madison, WI) Anonymous (Skokie, IL) Adele (Woodstock, GA) Anita (Carpinteria, CA) - MaverickAnn (Honolulu, HI) Anne (Houston, TX) Barbara (Crescent City, CA) - RavenBarbara (Oak View, CA) Barbara (Sacramento, CA) Barbara & Bob (Crescent City, CA) - ReconBarbara & Michael (Essex, IA) - ChiefBarry (Whittier, CA) Beatrice (Houston, CA) - WylieBetty (Ojai, CA) - AbbyCarl (San Rafael, CA) Carol (Beverly Hills, CA) - KariCarol (Naples, FL) Carol (Villa Hills, KY) - StellaCarol & John (Pleasanton, CA) - GypsyCarolyn (Tellico Plains, TX) Caryn (Pittsburgh, PA) - LaniCharles (Albuquerque, NM) Chelly (El Cajon, CA) - TankCheryl & George (Staten Island, NY) - BonnieChristina (San Jose, CA) - JebCindy (Dayton, OH) Connie (Chicago, IL) - RowdyDavid (Eastlake, OH) David (Ventura, CA) Deanna (Phoenix, AZ) - MarcDebbie (Omaha, NE) - GeorgeDeborah (Ojai, CA) - BenDebra (Simi Valley, CA)

Debra (Ventura, CA) - AbbyDelores (Fallbrook, CA) - Lilly-BelleDeresa (Simi Valley, CA) - RangerDiane (Long Beach, CA) Dody (Larned, KS) - RoyceDon (Derby, KS) - HunterDonald & Susan (Novi, MI) - GeorgeDonna & Bill (Bloomington, MN) Doug & Patty (Rutherford, NJ) - BrutusEd & Ruthann (Oceanside, CA) Edell (Okeechobee, FL) - BrutusErling (Carmel By The Sea, CA) Esther (Oceanside, CA) Ethel (Los Angeles, CA) Gayle (Stillwater, OK) Geoffrey & Susan (Mountain Ranch, CA) - GypsyGinger (Prescott, AZ) - Lilly-BelleGloria (Carmel, CA) - LolaGloria (Philadelphia, PA) - ZoeyGrace (Castro Valley, CA) Grace (Palm City, FL) Hank (Heavener, OK) - HuckHeidi (Los Olivos, CA) - ElvisHerbert & Linda (Summerfield, FL) Jacqueline (South San Francisco, CA) - NelsonJames (Overland Park, KS) Jamie (Salinas, CA) - EllieJane (Bend, OR) - BenJane (Newport, RI) Jane & Donald (Cupertino, CA) - ElvisJane & Fred (Moorpark, CA) - PearlJanet & Richard (Louisville, KY) - TuckerJanet (Pittsburgh, PA) - RaiderJanet (West Islip, NY) Janice (Southington, CT) - MarsiJanice & Michael (Colgate, WI) - TrapperJason (Somerset, CA) - ZoeyJean & Lawrence (Leesburg, VA) - JaggersJeanne (Marble Falls, TX) - TinkerJeff & Jill (Santa Paula, CA) - MajorJeff (Salinas, CA) - BaxterJeff (Norfolk, VA) - TammyJerry & Helen (Monterey, CA) Joan (Osteen, FL) - TrapperJoan (Wilbraham, MA)

Joan Annette (Redondo Beach, CA) - MaverickJoanne (Henderson, NV) John & Deb (Stillwater, OK) - TazJoseph & Mary (Canton, MI) Joyce T (Lincoln, CA) - BrutusJoyce W. (Lincoln, CA) - DawsonJuanita (San Francisco, CA) - TrevorJude (Las Cruces, NM) - SplashJudith (Dana Point, CA) Judy & Darrel (Moorpark, CA) - TyJudy (Ojai, CA) - JoeJune (Oxnard, CA) - AbbyKaren (Ashland, OR) Karen (Tucson, AZ) - CadillacKari (Brea, CA) - RugbyKathleen (Newbury Park, CA) - FletchKathleen & Patrick (Saint Charles, IL) Kathy (Los Angeles, CA) - DawsonKay (Williamsport, PA) - WallyKimberly & John (San Clemente, CA) - JerryLeigh (Ojai, CA) Len (Urbanna, VA) - EllieLenora (Half Moon Bay, CA) Lerae (Bloomington, IN) - SalsaLillian (Huntington Beach, CA) Lillian (Philadelphia, PA) Lillian (San Luis Obispo, CA) - CometLillian (Ventura, CA) Linda (Bayshore, NY) - JessieLinda (Santa Barbara, CA) - JoeLinda (Gresham, OR) Linda (Lancaster, CA) - HunterLinda (Sun City, CA) - RangerLinda & Phillip (Lorain, OH) Lois & Delores (Ormond Beach, FL) - SplashLori (Ojai, CA) - MajorLorraine (San Francisco, CA) Louise (Lompoc, CA) Lunn & Tildon (Lompoc, CA) - JoeLynn (Portland, OR) - JakersMargaret (Altamonte Springs, FL) Marilyn (Cambridge, KS) Marilyn (Sacramento, CA) - SandyMarina (Fremont, CA) - BenMartha (Remsen, NY) - Jester

SDF Endowment Guardians (Our new 2011 Guardians are noted in BLUE, our new 2012 Guardians are in RED)Mary (Albuquerque, NM) - SalsaMary (Pasadena, CA) - BaxterMarybeth (Oroville, CA) - KariMary & Joel (Santa Barbara, CA) - CallieMary Sue (Riverside, CA) - HunterMarilyn & Jackie (Naperville, IL) - RoyceMichael (Belfast, IRE) - ChiefMike & Lucille (Amador City, CA) - AnnieMontatip (Ann Arbor, MI) Nancy (Bristow, VA) Nancy (Escondido, CA) - BellaNancy (West Hills, CA) - CadillacNancy (Edwards, CO) - FletchNatalie (Royal Oaks, CA) - SpeakerNelia (Newbury Park, CA) - Ace Nuelda & Russell (Austin, TX) - CodyPam (Los Angeles, CA) - CodyPamela (Sacramento, CA) Patricia (Sun City, CA) - HattiePatricia (Ventura, CA) Rachel (Coral Gables, FL) - LilahRobert (Henderson, NV) - BonnieRoger (Arcadia, CA) - RicoRosemary (Alamo, CA) Rosemary (Ojai, CA) - BaronRuth Ann & Frank (San Diego, CA) - HaleyRuthann (Sanford, FL) - BrutusSan and Nancy (Topanga, CA) - StetsonSandra (Wilbraham, MA) - TazSarah & Jim (Fremont, CA) - SpudsSayde (Nashville, TN) Sharon (Okeechobee, FL) - JaggersSharon (Sun City Center, FL) - Lilly-BelleSteve & Christine (Otto, NC) Steve & Jean (Monterey, CA) - RowdyTed & Jan (Pacific Grove, CA) - BenTerri (Portland, OR) - HulaTerry (Warrior, AL) Tina (North Easton, MA) - TagTom and Susan (San Antonio, TX) - SonicTrudy (Santa Rosa, CA) Virginia (Cupertino, CA) - Rowdy

Your Name Belongs Here!

* These Estate donors have taken advantage of SDF’s PET PROMISE PROGRAM, by entrusting the future well-being of their pets to the Search Dog Foundation. 23

Diane Dunford – Guardian of Annie

“I get so emotional when I think about the dog-handler bond and the selfless work they do at a moment’s notice. The fact that these once aban-doned and unwanted dogs can trust completely in their human partners shows how much these animals are committed to helping others. I am so honored to be the Guardian of one of these incred-ible teams, and a small Part of the Search!”

Diane with Minnie & Ariel

The Pet Promise Individuals who consider their pets as family share a common concern: What will happen to my pets when I am no longer here? To address this concern, and to help put this worry to rest, SDF offers a Pet Promise Program which guarantees that your pets will receive loving lifetime care by an SDF-selected “Fur-Ever Family” upon your passing. With four professional trainers, five program officers specializing in animal care, and a staff of animal lovers, we understand the needs of pets and their owners and have the ability to provide this important service to our Estate Donors.

“I wanted to make sure that Wylie wouldn’t be abandoned or taken to a shelter when I’m no longer here to care for him. SDF’s Pet Promise Program ensures that he’ll be placed in a great home where he’ll be well loved, with SDF always there close at hand providing a safety net.” – Janice Hong, Pet Promise Guardian ~ with Wylie

Search CircleBe Part of the Circle - Be Part of the Search!

The SDF SEARCH CIRCLE is a group of wealth man-agement advisors (financial advisors, attorneys, es-tate planners and CPAs) helping to build SDF’s future by sharing information about our Estate Program with their clients. It’s a great way for busy profes-sionals to become Part of the Search without leaving their desks! If you or someone you know might like to spread the word about SDF’s Endowment Guard-ian program, please let us know!

CPA Barbara Whatley & Bella"The Search Circle is a great opportunity for business professionals like me to spread the

word about this wonderful organization!"

S E A R C H D O G G U A R D I A N S

Beth & Greg Apke – Sugar Land, Texas “About a year ago, we read with great interest SDF’s ad in the Wall Street Journal. The “Pledge” spoke to us as dog-lovers and owners of two rescued Labs. We made a small donation and bought two T-shirts. After the devasta-tion left by the tornadoes in the Mid-west earlier this year, we immediately thought of SDF and were convinced that sponsoring a Search Dog would be a unique way to help save lives. It is profoundly rewarding to think that a dog we sponsored may help save a life. Regardless, we know that our contribution will provide a rescued dog a fulfilling life with its handler. As an added bonus, our contribution will gener-ously be matched in full by Beth’s employer under their corporate gift-matching program, so we are thrilled that our contribution will result in two rescued dog sponsorships!” – Greg Apke

Gloria Balcom, Sponsor of Cadillac – Redondo Beach, CA

Gloria with Search Dogs Ghillie and Ranger Photo: Jennifer Tapp

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SDF is honored to recognize and thank our 78 Search Dog Sponsors. These are support-ers who have become “Part of the Search” by making a donation of $10,000 (in one gift, or over two years), and become the SPON-SOR of a special Search Dog. It’s fun and inspiring–like having your own Search Dog… minus the brushing, feeding and scooping!

– Celeste Matesevac, SDF Community Relations Manager

For more info about Sponsoring a Search Dog, contact Celeste at Celeste@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x101

Katy Trail Animal Hospital, Sponsor of Sonic – Dallas, TX

Sonic and handler Laurel Pitman surrounded by the Katy Trail Animal Hospital Staff Photo: John Sealander

“I think organizations that recognize the intelligence and strength of animals in roles outside of companionship are exceptional. We often think of ourselves as all-knowing and all-doing. There are many instances in life that animals reign supreme. They have natural abilities that we cannot begin to compete with. SDF is a perfect example of tapping into a natural resource that means the difference between life and death.” – Colleen Murray, DVM, Katy Trail Animal Hospital

“I am truly impressed by what Wilma and all of you have accomplished so far, and by your impressive plans for the Training Center. Yesterday I had the plea-sure of meeting my Sponsored team, Jasmine and Cadillac, and watched the excitement of Cadillac in training. I truly appreciate that you paired me with these terrific hometown heroes!” – Gloria Balcom

California Federation of Women’s Clubs

Arleen Charsha, State Chairman for Public Issues, Marina District meets one of the District’s FOUR Sponsored Search Teams, Andy Olvera & Stetson Photo: Karyn Newbill

“One of my duties as CFWC Public Issues State Chairman is to educate the members on the seven programs in my category, one of which is SDF. The Search Dogs’ incredible talent and service to those in distress were too important to be ignored—and I was deter-mined they would not be. To my delight, the amazing ladies of CFWC and GFWC joined me in being Part of the Search!“

– Arleen Charsha, State Chairman for Public Issues, Marina District

Bailey, the Apke’s rescued dog. Photo: Beth Apke

S E A R C H D O G S P O N S O R S

Stetson Photo: Sharon Hanzelka

IndividualsAllyn (Alamo, CA) - Sponsor of Pearl Ann (Concord, CA) - Sponsor of Major Ann, Paul, Erika, & Matthew (Somis, CA) - Sponsors of Icon, Tank Anson (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Splash Benjamin (Happy Valley, OR) - Sponsor of Lola Beth and Greg (Sugar Land, TX) - Sponsors of Hayden Brad (Novato, CA) - Sponsor of Gunner Carol and John (Pleasanton, CA) - Sponsors of Gunner Christa (Irving, TX) - Sponsor of Lani Danielle and Jason (Orlando, FL) - Sponsors of Leila Danielle (Montmagny, QC) - Sponsor of Gypsy Diane (Carmel, CA) - Sponsor of Ellie Diane (Long Beach, CA) - Sponsor of Rex Elinor (Santa Maria, CA) - Sponsor of Comet Fran (Studio City, CA) - Sponsor of Mattie Gaile (Oakland, CA) Geoffrey and Clair (La Cañada Flintridge, CA) - Sponsors of Joe Glenn and Lynn (Santa Monica, CA) - Sponsors of Maverick, Chief Gloria (Philadelphia, PA) - Sponsor of Lilly-Belle Gloria (Redondo Beach, CA) - Sponsor of Cadillac Ivy (Gurnee, IL) - Sponsor of Recon, Nino Janet and Greg (Camarillo, CA) - Sponsors of Ben, Haley, Stetson John and Betsy (Stuart, FL) - Sponsors of Lilly-Belle John (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Lilly-Belle Joseph (Spartanburg, SC) - Sponsor of Huck Judith (Newport Beach, CA) Judy and Harry (Agoura Hills, CA) - Sponsors of Aspen, Mattie Laura (Irvine, CA) - Sponsor of Spuds Linda (Westlake Village, CA) - Sponsor of Baxter Lucy (Kershaw, SC) - Sponsor of Tank Nan (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Kura Nancy (West Hills, CA) - Sponsor of Dawson Neil and Amy (Redwood City, CA) Nelia (Newbury Park, CA) - Sponsor of Trevor Otilia and Emma (Los Angeles, CA) - Sponsors of Stella, Maxim Roberta (Seymour, CT) - Sponsor of Brutus Ryan (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Bonnie Sharon (Bell Canyon, CA) - Sponsor of Wylie Sue and Richard (Los Angeles, CA) - Sponsors of Callie Susan and John (La Verne, CA) - Sponsors of Bella Teddy (Chicago, IL) - Sponsor of Sadie

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In 2005, Court Reporter Julie Brandau was slain during a violent rampage in an Atlanta courtroom. Knowing Julie was a devoted dog-lover, Jan Lopez and her Court Reporter colleagues launched the Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project in Julie’s memory with the goal of sponsoring a Canine Search Team. From rescued to rescuer and

from civil servant to civil servant… the project con-tinues to grow, with six Search Dog Sponsorships to date! Our Search Teams have participated in Court Reporter conventions in Alabama, California, Iowa, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Washington D.C. This year we’re slated for Indiana and Pennsylvania.

In memory of one of their own, Court Reporters across the nation are joining together to strength-en our nation’s disaster response network.

Patti Krafft & Hula, Texas Task Force 2 Photo: Jennifer Tapp Chet Clark & Elvis, Oklahoma Task Force 1 Photo: Karyn Newbill

Companies & Community GroupsA Good Neighbor Foundation (Cincinnati, OH) - Sponsor of Jakers Allstate (Phoenix, AZ) - Sponsor of Ranger, Trapper America’s Tire Company (Westlake Village, CA) - Sponsor of Maverick Antelope Valley Kennel Club (Lancaster, CA) - Sponsor of Hunter Arc Aspicio (Arlington, VA) – Sponsors of Lani, Justice AT&T Foundation (San Antonio, TX) - Sponsor of Cody B & B Foundation (Santa Barbara, CA) - Sponsor of Duke, Rugby Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, MO) - Sponsor of Lola Bowtie Press / Kennel Club Books (Freehold, NJ) - Sponsor of Icon The Butler Company (Dublin, OH) - Sponsor of Gator CFWC - Glenview Women’s Club Alameda District (San Leandro, CA) – Sponsor of Sandy CFWC - Sierra Cahuenga District (Woodland Hills, CA) - Sponsor of Nino, Pearl, Haley CFWC - Westlake Women’s Club (Westlake Village, CA) - Sponsor of Joe CFWC - Marina District Public Issues (CA) - Sponsor of Stetson, Leila, Wylie CFWC - Moorpark Women’s Fortnightly Club (Moorpark, CA) - Sponsor of Ranger CH2M Hill (Englewood, CO) - Sponsor of Aspen, Mattie The Charles Lafitte Foundation (Federal Way, WA) - Sponsor of Bonnie Classic Media (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Glacier Disney VoluntEARS Community Fund (Los Angeles, CA) - Sponsor of Hunter Dodson Foundation (Santa Ynez, CA) - Sponsor of Riley, Cappy Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation (Frankfort, MI) - Sponsor of Hayden, George Indemnity Insurance Group (Sparks, MD) - Sponsor of Splash, Jaggers, Sarge Job’s Daughters of California (Anaheim, CA) - Sponsor of Major (So Cal) / Speaker (No Cal) The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Amenia, NY) - Sponsor of Kura Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project (West Hills, CA) - Sponsor of Hula, Elvis, Justice, Pearl, Lilly Katy Trail Animal Hospital (Dallas, TX) - Sponsor of Sonic Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (Los Angeles, CA) - Sponsor of Dawson The McGrath Family Foundation (San Diego, CA) - Sponsor of Sarge MG Skinner & Associates (Los Angeles, CA) - Sponsor of Trevor Montclair College Preparatory School (Van Nuys, CA) - Sponsor of Cadillac P&G Pet Care (Dayton, OH) - Sponsor of Jessie Pebble Beach Riding and Trails Association (Pebble Beach, CA) - Sponsor of Comet PetEdge (Beverly, MA) - Sponsor of Marc Planet Dog Foundation (Portland, ME) – Sponsor of Dax Rancho Romero Elementary School (Alamo, CA) - Sponsor of Pearl Rotary Club of Simi Sunset (Simi Valley, CA) - Sponsor of Ranger Stella & Arthur Pepper Foundation (Salinas, CA) - Sponsor of Jeb, Lani, Sandy, Speaker Sunkist Growers, Inc. - Global Licensing (Sherman Oaks, CA) - Sponsor of Nino Weber Shandwick (Elk Grove, CA) - Sponsor of Speaker Western Robidoux, Inc. (St. Joseph, MO) - Sponsor of Salsa Young & Rubicam (New York, NY) - Sponsor of Marsi

SDF Search Dog Sponsors(Our new 2011 Sponsors are in BLUE and our new 2012 Sponsors are in RED)

S E A R C H D O G S P O N S O R S

America’s Court ReportersBy Jan Garnett Lopez, Project Founder

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The Grainger Foundation has provided support for the recruitment and training of SDF Search Teams since 2008. In May 2010 Foun-dation Vice President Gloria Sinclair and her husband Bill visited the Training Center site.

The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illi-nois, was established in 1949 by William W. Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger, Inc., a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products.

“At the Foundation we understand the impor-tance of disaster preparedness and response. I’m a dog-lover and know just how smart dogs can be, but seeing the agility skills of these

Search Dogs and the bond they have with their handlers, takes my appreciation of our canine friends to a whole new level.” – Gloria Sinclair

Ron Weckbacher & Dawson with Gloria Sinclair Photo: Karyn Newbill

The Grainger Foundation

Inspired by SDF Search Teams’ life-saving deployment to the Haiti Earthquake, the Los Angeles-based Joseph Drown Foundation joined our family of support-ers in 2010. Foundation President Wendy Wachtell met SDF team Doug Van Iwaarden & Wylie of California Task Force 5 at a special Search Team demonstra-tion in January 2011. She learned about their life and work together, and about the training regimen that keeps them at deployment readiness.

“These Search Teams are a vital emergency response resource, but still more teams are needed to fully serve the region. We’re very happy to support the Search Dog Foundation, knowing that they’ll be here for all of us when disaster strikes closer to home,” explained Wendy.

Joseph Drown Foundation

Doug Van Iwaarden & Wylie with Wendy Wachtell Photo: Karyn Newbill

F O U N D A T I O N S

We are very grateful to foundations from across the nation who have invested in SDF’s life-saving work through grants awarded in 2011. Their belief in our mission is very inspir-ing to everyone at the Search Dog Founda-tion. It’s an honor to help fulfill their philan-thropic goals.

– Clare Bland, SDF Foundation Relations Manager

For more info about making a grant to SDF, contact Clare at Clare@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x108

SDF’s Foundation Partners

ACR Foundation - San Francisco, CA Altman Family Foundation - Tenafly, NJ Amont Foundation, Inc. - Atlanta, GAAnastasia Charitable Foundation - Portola Valley, CAAnnenberg Foundation - Los Angeles, CAAnonymous Foundations (5)Antelope Valley Kennel Club - Lancaster, CAArmstrong Foundation - Lancaster, PAThe Avery Family Trust - Tulsa, OKB & B Foundation - Santa Barbara, CABarr Charitable Foundation - San Jose, CAEvalyn M. Bauer Foundation - Long Beach, CAS.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation - San Francisco, CAThe BFF, Inc. - Livermore, CAStephen & Mary Birch Foundation - Wilmington, DEBlaine Family Foundation - Wantagh, NYCharles Bloom Foundation - Santa Barbara, CAThe Blue Oak Charitable Fund - Las Vegas, NVEmployees Community Fund of Boeing California - Long Beach, CAAlbert and Elaine Borchard Foundation - Woodland Hills, CAJohn C. Bowen & Shelby C. Bowen Charitable Foundation - Santa Barbara, CALewis Brounell Charitable Trust - West Orange, NJThe John and Barbara Byrne Charitable Fund - North Wales, PAGerald & Janet Carrus Foundation - Irvington, NYChardonnay Foundation - Amelia Island, FLWilliam E. Chelew Foundation - Dayton, NVBill & Jackie Clark Memorial Foundation - North Bonneville, WAThe Cleveland Foundation - Cleveland, OHThe Community Foundation for the National Capital Region - Washington, DCLori Cope Fund - Manvel, TXThe Richard K. and Lois B. Craig Family Fund - Fort Worth, TXThe Dardin Fund - San Diego, CABetter Days Foundation - Oklahoma City, OKThe Elsie & Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation, Inc. - Chevy Chase, MDRobert & Eleanor Demple Family Foundation - Sheridan, WYDonald L. and Elida A. Derebey Fund - Sun City West, AZPaula and E.L. Donovitz Philanthropic Fund of the Dallas Jewish Comm. Fdn. - Racine, WIHerbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation - Frankfort, MIThe Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. - Washington, DCJoseph Drown Foundation - Los Angeles, CAThe Drueding Foundation - Maplewood, NJEric Evans Memorial Charitable Fund - Niskayuna, NYEvans-Cockerline Foundation - Branford, CTFifth Age of Man Foundation - Austin, TXFireman’s Fund Insurance Company - Novato, CAThe Jean and Al Fohrer Charitable Foundation - Arcadia, CAThe C.E. & F.C.A. Foisy Foundation - North Andover, MAThe Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation - San Diego, CARobert E. Fraser Foundation - Saint Peter, MNThe Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust - New York, NYChristen C. & Ben H. Garrett Family Foundation - San Marino, CAGervis-Lubran Fund - Washington, DCGiant Steps Foundation - Boston, MAGnuse Family Trust - Renaissance Charitable Foundation - Indianapolis, INThe Grainger Foundation - Lake Forest, ILThe W.K. Gregory & A.M. Gregory Charitable Foundation - Towson, MDHueston Foundation - Cary, NCIowa Foundation for Education, Environment, and the Arts - Indianola, IARex and Nelle Jackson Foundation - Peoria, ILKirkpatrick Foundation - Oklahoma City, OKKleiner Cohen Foundation - Sherman Oaks, CAThe Koranda Family Foundation - Hinsdale, ILLakeside Foundation - Lafayette, CA

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In the wake of the Japan earthquake/tsunami deployment, the Annenberg Foundation—a strong Search Dog Foundation partner since 2007—initiated an exciting social media project: The “Dog Bless You” Facebook campaign aimed at raising awareness about SDF. Charles Annenberg Weingarten, Vice President and Director of the Annenberg Foundation, challenged his explore.org philan-thropic community: the Annenberg Foundation would grant $100,000 to the Search Dog Foundation if 100,000 people “Liked” SDF on the Dog Bless You Facebook page.

Within 72 hours, we met the challenge and soon received this generous grant! We are grateful to Charlie, his faithful canine companion and retired Search Dog Lucky, and the entire Annenberg and explore.org team for being Part of the Search. Dog Bless You!

Eric Evans Memorial Charitable Fund

Annenberg Foundation

Charlie & Lucky

Insurance executive Eric Evans was working in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 when the unthinkable occurred. Eric perished in the disaster, and every year since then his family and friends have honored his memory by raising funds through an annual golf tournament—on August 6 in 2012—and supporting SDF through the foundation named for Eric (ericevans-memorial.org). Foundation Directors John Cococcia and Rose Keville visited with SDF’s New York State Search Teams and SDF Lead Trainer Pluis Davern to watch the teams in action.

“I was thoroughly impressed by both the skills of the dogs and the dedication of the handlers. It completely reinforced my passion for supporting the Search Dog Foundation.” – John Cococcia

NY Teams: Greg Gould & Kura, Jason Geary & Marsi, Bill Simmes & Bonnie, and John Stewart & Lani with Rose Keville and John Cococcia

F O U N D A T I O N S

The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation - Los Angeles, CABrad Lemons Foundation - Los Angeles, CAMichael J. and Patricia Levitt Family Charitable Foundation - Marlton, NJLilly’s Gift Foundation - Irvine, CAThe Nancy F. Link Foundation - Rayne, LAMathewson Charitable Lead Trusts Two, Three & Five - Reno, NVMBD Foundation - San Francisco, CAThe Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation - Beverly Hills, CARoger and Nancy McCabe Foundation - Wayzata, MNThe McDaniel Family Foundation - Huntington Beach, CAMarjorie & Richard McGahren Foundation - Naples, FLThe Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation - Hawaiian Gardens, CANahikian Family Foundation - Charleston, SCThe Neel Foundation - Croton On Hudson, NYNewman’s Own Foundation - Westport, CTElizabeth & Frank Odell Family Fund of the Comm. Fdn. of Collier County - S. Hadley, MAOklahoma City Community Foundation - Oklahoma City, OKGerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation - Los Angeles, CAPasadena Community Foundation - Pasadena, CAPerri Family Fund - Jenkintown, PAMargaret Thiele Petti Foundation - Beaverton, ORPlanet Dog Foundation - Portland, METhe Plum Foundation - Studio City, CARamsay Family Foundation - San Francisco, CAThe Raynie Foundation - Champaign, ILGarland and Brenda Reiter Family Foundation - Salinas, CADonald A. Rhoades Family Foundation - Placerville, CAThe Riehm Family Foundation, Inc. - Tucson, AZThe Rogers Foundation - Morristown, NJRohauer Collection Foundation, Inc. - Harrison, NYRose Community Foundation - Denver, COTom Russell Charitable Foundation - Oakbrook Terrace, ILRussell Family Foundation - Lake Forest, CASacramento Region Community Foundation - Sacramento, CASahanDaywi Foundation - Riverside, CAGrace Ford Salvatori Foundation - Los Angeles, CAScaife Family Foundation - West Palm Beach, FLDr. Scholl Foundation - Northbrook, ILSchwab Charitable Fund, on behalf of Laurence Cove and Ann Cove - San Francisco, CASchwab Charitable Fund, on behalf of Katherine Nelson - San Francisco, CAEllen Browning Scripps Foundation - La Jolla, CAShenandoah Foundation - San Francisco, CAThe Shilling Family Foundation - San Francisco, CAShiloh Foundation - Murray Hill, NJGerald B. Shreiber Foundation - Pennsauken, NJThe John & Josephine Shuman Fund - Piedmont, CAMartin V. & Martha K. Smith Foundation - Camarillo, CAThe Spark Fund - New York, NYStarlight Foundation - Coconut Creek, FLSidney Stern Memorial Trust - Pacific Palisades, CATri-Valley Community Foundation - Pleasanton, CAUvas Foundation - Lafayette, CAVan Brimer Family Foundation - Williamsburg, VAvanKerkhoven Family Fund - Schofield, WIThe Weiler Foundation - Palm Beach, FLWeist Foundation - Naperville, ILGary and Mary West Foundation - Carlsbad, CAThe Adele A. and Harold J. Westbrook Foundation, Inc. - Midlothian, VAWilshire Charitable Foundation - Oklahoma City, OK

BIVI’s Sponsored Teams: Jason Geary & Marsi and Johnny Subia & Lola Photo: Denise Hess

Nutro® NATURAL CHOICE® Dog Food – Fuel for Heroes A Fourteen-Year Partnership

Since 1998, The Nutro Company has partnered with the Search Dog Foundation to support America’s Canine Disaster Search Teams. The company has provided free NATURAL CHOICE® dog food vouchers to every FEMA-Certified Search Team in the U.S.—a tremendous savings to the Handlers, and a great benefit to the canines who thrive on this quality natural nutrition.

SearchDogsUSA has an exclusive agree-ment with The Nutro Company, making NATURAL CHOICE® the Official Dog Food of the Search Dog Foundation.

The company is launching a new dog food this summer: NATURAL CHOICE® High Endurance formula dog food. Visit your nearest pet specialty store this summer and pick up this high-quality, “made for heroes” food. You can’t miss it, with our own Jester featured proudly on the front of the package!

We are proud to be part of the Nutro Fami-ly, and very grateful to the company for the extraordinary support they have provided. We look forward to a strong and vibrant partnership for many years to come.

www.nutro.com

Mars Wisdom Panel A Three-Year Partnership

When SDF’s Recruiters walk through animal shelters, they’re looking for Labs, Goldens, Border Collies or mixes with the boldness, drive, agility, focus and foot-ing required for disaster search.

In 2009, we partnered with Mars Veterinary™ to find the Next Great Disaster Search Dog with the help of their state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel canine genetic testing technology—provided at no cost to SDF. The test enables us to identify a dog’s breed history with the swipe of a cheek swab. The information helps pre-dict behavior and enables handlers to address health issues before they become a problem.

Thanks to the generosity of Mars Veterinary, the Wisdom Panel test is now being offered at no cost to all SDF Handlers and Lifetime Care families. Ultimately it will help us uncover the genetic signature of what makes a “top Search Dog” so we can be sure the rescued dogs we recruit truly have what it takes to be Part of the Search.

www.wisdompanel.com

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. An Eight-Year Partnership

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is the U.S. animal health division of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, a family-owned company founded in 1885 in Ingelheim, Germany ranked among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company is dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of animals, always seeking ways to further research and develop optimum solu-tions for animals everywhere.

The company produces Metacam® (meloxicam), a wonderful anti-inflammatory product that relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis in older dogs. It’s the official arthritis medication of our Search Dogs, trusted by our handlers to give their partners pain-free mobility all the way into their twilight years.

The BIVI and SDF partnership began in 2004. In 2010, the company renewed its two-year commitment. This “cause-related marketing” initiative is administered through SearchDogsUSA.

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

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C O R P O R A T E S U P P O R T

Good for your Company… Good for the CountrySDUSA is the for-profit licensing, marketing and merchandising arm of the Search Dog Foundation, solely owned by SDF. The company provides financial support and national awareness to the Foundation through product endorsements and cause-related marketing.

The funds help underwrite SDF’s publications and events so we can dedicate a higher percentage of community support to the Search Teams. SDUSA is privileged to be in ongoing partnerships with Nutro Products, Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. who are making their mark on disaster preparedness in America by bringing support to the Search Teams.

This summer, SDUSA will launch an e-commerce website showcasing fun, useful products for canines and humans. SDUSA will also be introducing a line of new ca-nine wellness supplements endorsed by the Search Dog Foundation and marketed exclusively by SDUSA. The products, including Joint Health Chewable, Digestive Enzymes, Multi-Vitamins and Tablets, Skin & Coat Powder will be available at:

www.SearchDogsUSA.com www.ShopSDUSA.com

I N C O R P O R A T E D

Licensing arm of the Search Dog Foundation

BowTie Press Support of the Search Dogs! Dog Heroes of September 11th is the story of the canines who served their country in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. Originally published in 2006, the book was written by longtime SDF supporter Nona Bauer and published by BowTie Press. This tenth anniversary edition features 100 new pages and 150 new color photographs. A portion of the sale of each book will be donated to SDF to help further our work of rescuing dogs, and saving lives. www.dogheroesof911.com

What breed of dog is Poppers?

Young & Rubicam to the Rescue! A Ten-Year Partnership

In the wake of the September 11th tragedy, New York-based Y&R Brands (one of the world’s top marketing and communications firms) offered to help raise awareness about SDF’s life-saving mission by designing a suite of stunning print, radio and television ads, and arranging for donated placement in national me-dia. These ads have “spoken” to people throughout the country, inspiring gifts ranging from $100 to $1,000,000. The ads continue to run in top media spots, drawing in new supporters interested in helping us build America’s first Search Team Training Center.

SDF is one of Y&R’s oldest pro bono clients, and we are deeply indebted to Y&R Brands and their affiliate, GroupM, a highly acclaimed international market-ing and communications agency, for their precious gifts of time and talent.

AT&T and the Search Dog Foundation An Eight-Year Partnership

While SDF teams search for the survivors of a disaster, AT&T is on the scene too—restoring communications critical to rescue and recovery. Throughout the year, the company hosts “Net-work Disaster Recovery” exercises to demonstrate their disas-ter response capabilities. They invite SDF teams to participate in these events, and together we raise awareness about the technical and human aspects of emergency response. The company has brought generous support to SDF through the years, with $415,000 in philanthropic gifts. We are proud to partner with AT&T, and deeply grateful for the company’s on- going generous support.

www.corp.att.com/ndr

“AT&T’s support has enabled us to grow the number of Canine Disaster Search Teams serving the nation. The company’s network of trained personnel and equipment is ready at the first sign of a disaster, just like our teams!” – Wilma Melville

C O R P O R A T E S U P P O R T

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Corporate SupportersArc Aspicio – Arlington, VAAstra Industrial Services, Inc. - Newbury Park, CAAT&T - Dallas, TXBearport Publishing Company, Inc. - New York, NYBoehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. - Colfax, NCBowen Miclette & Brit Inc - Houston, TXBowTie, Inc. - Los Angeles, CACaliper Management Inc. - Princeton, NJCH2M Hill - Legal and Insurance Dept. - Englewood, CODakota Systems, Inc. - Honeoye, NYDBAppraise - Nashua, NHGeospace Technologies - Houston, TXGlen Rock Athletic Club - Glen Rock, NJHealthyPets, Inc. - Union City, CAHESKA Corporation - Loveland, COI.C. System Inc. - Saint Paul, MNKenlor Management Co. - Agoura Hills, CALarkin Business Management - Sherman Oaks, CALawson and Weitzen, LLP - Boston, MALubraflex: Olympus Brands, Inc. - Miami, FLManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP - Los Angeles, CAMars Caribbean & Central AmericaMars Petcare U.S. - Franklin, TNNutro Products, Inc. - Parsippany, NJOasis Petroleum, Inc. – Houston, TXOjai Valley Community Bank - Ojai, CAO'Melveny & Myers LLP - Washington, DCPets Best Insurance - Boise, ID Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation - Bridgewater, NJPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - Los Angeles, CASage Publications - Newbury Park, CASearchDogsUSABP America, Inc. - The Fabric of America Fund - Warrenville, ILThe Mines Press, Inc. - Cortlandt Manor, NYThe Pin Center - Las Vegas, NVTitan Legacy Fund Advisors LLC - Rye Brook, NYUltra-Temp Corporation - Fair Haven, MIValero Wilmington RefineryWD-40 Company - San Diego, CA

Abbott Laboratories Employee Giving CampaignAllstate Giving Campaign - Virginia - Norfolk, VAAmerican Express Foundation- matching gifts - Princeton, NJAmgen Foundation Matching Gifts and Staff Volunteer Programs - Princeton, NJArmstrong Foundation Gift Matching Program - Lancaster, PAAspect Matching Gifts FoundationAT&T Foundation Employee Giving Program - Princeton, NJBaird Foundation, Inc - Milwaukee, WIBank of America Matching Gifts - Charlotte, NCBenjamin Moore Paints - Montvale, NJBP Foundation, Inc - Houston, TXBroadridge FoundationCAM Commerce Solutions - Fountain Valley, CACharles Schwab Foundation - Stuart, FLChevron Humankind Employee Funds - Princeton, NJConocoPhillips Matching Gifts OrganizationECHO of Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles, CAEdison Employee Contributions Campaign - Princeton, NJEmployee's Community Fund of Boeing - Gift Match - Chicago, ILEOG Resources, Inc - Houston, TXFidelity Charitable Gift Fund - Boston, MAFirst Data Foundation - Omaha, NEFM Global Foundation - Johnston, RIFremont Group Foundation - San Francisco, CAGartner - Stuart, FLGE Foundation - Fairfield, CTGlenmede Trust Co. - Philadelphia, PAGlobal Impact - Alexandria, VAGoogle Matching Gift Program - Princeton, NJHNS Charitable Gift FundHoughton Mifflin Matching Gift Program - Princeton, NJIBM Employee Services Center - Endicott, NYJones Lang Lasalle Americas - Westmont, ILJP Morgan Chase Foundations Matching Gifts - Princeton, NJ

Kaiser Permanente Community Giving Campaign - Princeton, NJKraft Foods Matching Gifts - Princeton, NJLexis Nexis Gift MatchingMacArthur Foundation Matching GiftsMacy's Foundation - Cincinnati, OHMcKesson Foundation Matching GiftsMedco Employee Giving Campaign - Princeton, NJMerck Partnership For Giving - Princeton, NJMicrosoft Matching Gifts Program - Princeton, NJMotorola Foundation Matching Gift ProgramNestle - Stuart, FLNorthrop Grumman Corporation Employee Chairty OrganizationNokia Matching Gifts ProgramOracle Corporation - Princeton, NJPatagonia Corporate Matching - Ventura, CAPearson Matching Gifts - Livonia, MIPfizer Foundation- Matching Gifts - Princeton, NJPG & E - Campaign for the Community - Princeton, NJPhoenix Life Insurance CompanyPrudential Foundation- Matching Gifts - Princeton, NJQualcomm Foundation Matching Gifts ProgramRaytheon Charitable Giving - Princeton, NJReal Networks Foundation Matching Gifts Program - Princeton, NJRegence Employee Giving Campaign - Princeton, NJSalesforce.com Foundation - San Francisco, CASAP Matching Gift Program - Princeton, NJSubaru of America Foundation - Cherry Hill, NJTE Connectivity - Princeton, NJTellabs GivingThe Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation - Los Angeles, CAThe National Football League - New York, NYThe Robert Wood Johnson Foundation - Princeton, NJUniversity Federal Credit Union - Austin, TXWellpoint Associate Giving Campaign - Princeton, NJYour Cause, LLC- Dell Giving - Dallas, TX

Company Matching GiftsMany SDF Supporters boosted their giving power through matching gifts from their employers in 2011:

www.yr.com

Award-Winning Actress Loretta Swit Joins the SearchWe are delighted to welcome Loretta Swit to our family of supporters! In 2011 the actress and artist met our teams at the National Training Cen-ter, and now generously donates all profits of the sales of her “Rookie” watercolor prints to SDF. To view the

“Who could not be touched by these incredible dogs? Who could not be moved, watching them scent, search and dig…working in sync with their partners, their handler/trainers? The fact is I have always been a pushover for

heroes! They inspired me to do the painting of THE ROOKIE from an enchanting photograph of a Labrador puppy, looking hopeful, anxious…waiting to learn whether the testing will lead to intensive training and future deployment to every dangerous, troubled corner of the world. Pretty intense…but not for a hero. I met the SDF Search Teams during the crisis of 9/11. They stole my heart and never gave it back.”

– Loretta Swit - Part of the Search

Ms. Loretta Swit & Search Dog candidate during a visit to the National Training Center

Williamstown Independent School District

Dear Wilma,

Last quarter my middle school Enrichment students and I investigated the charac-teristics that define a true hero/heroine. While they brainstormed heroic traits and researched people who exemplified those traits, one of my students found you and your work. The students designed a lesson to share with other classes in our district, and all the classes created the Thank You projects we sent you. We also included your portrait on a “Mt. Rushmore” style monument displayed at our school.

In my 15 years of teaching, this has been one of the most rewarding teaching moments I have experienced. I am so touched by your selfless work that contributes so much to our world. Furthermore, I am so moved that you have set such a pro-foundly positive example for the youth and staff in our school. I’m sure there have been moments of discouragement in your journey. We hope you are encouraged by our efforts to uplift and honor you as you have encouraged us. We applaud your work, your courage, and your sacrifice. May God bless you in all your future endeavors to help others.

Sincerely,

Sonya J. P. Linder, Gifted and Talented Specialist

Kentucky Kids Share the Search

Eric Darling & BenEric Darling & Ben (Boeing Fire Department/California Task Force 5) have joined SDF’s enthusiastic roster of Search Teams who visit schools and community groups to raise awareness about Disaster Search. They recently met 80 students at Loma Vista School in Ventura, CA, and they received lots of fan mail from the students. Here’s Eric’s response to student Caiden on Ben’s behalf:

“Thank you for your wonderful letter! In answer to your ques-tions: What does Ben watch on TV? Ben loves Animal Planet and the History Channel. What does Ben do for fun? Fun for Ben is training and playing with his brother Wyatt in the back-yard. How does Ben train? We make up problems that we hope will never happen and train on them. Does Ben stick his head out the window? Well that is a good question – no, he does not. Because of his safety he has to be in his dog crate while in a moving car - just like you have to wear your seatbelt, Ben has to be in his crate. Thanks for your great questions!” – Pawsitively Yours, Eric & Ben

Ben surrounded by fans Photo: Tracy Darling

Community Support Across AmericaEach year SDF is honored to receive donations from Community Groups throughout the country whose creative fundraising projects bring support to the Search Teams. Meet our community partners:COMMUNITY GROUPS Allentown Dog Training Club, Inc. - Emmaus, PA Austin-Healey Club of San Diego - San Diego, CA BARFWorld - Danville, CA Calaveras Humane Society Thrift Store - Arnold, CA Charter QP PEO - Ojai, CA Community Health Charities of California - Sacramento, CA Daisy Girl Scouts of Ojai - Ojai, CA Demars Financial Planning - Columbus, OH Duplicate Club 13 - Belton, SC Eberle Communications Group - McLean, VA Equity Management Group FEI Los Angeles Chapter - Riverside, CA Hope Luthern Church Benevolence Team - Quincy, IL J.C. Svec Productions - Clark, NJ Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project - West Hills, CA Just Give - San Francisco, CA Kasmar, Zanglis & Associates - Glendale, CA Ladies Auxiliary of the Showman’s League of America - Tampa, FL Las Posas Camarillo Republican Women’s Club - Somis, CA Los Encinos Kennel Club - Thousand Oaks, CA Los Robles Greens Men’s Club - Thousand Oaks, CA Middlebury Animal Clinic - Middlebury, IN Mile Hi Golden Retriever Club - Fort Collins, CO Monterey Bay Dog Training Club, Inc. - Watsonville, CA Mount Cross Lutheran Church - Camarillo, CA Office of The Chaplain - United States Navy - Pt. Hueneme CBC Base, CA Old Broad’s Club - Plymouth, MA Pebble Beach Riding and Trails Association - Pebble Beach, CA Phoenix Lodge #144 F&AM - San Francisco, CA Sacramento Metropolitan Firefighters Association - Rancho Cordova, CA Santa Barbara Club - Santa Barbara, CA Shadow Lake Village Pet Club - Red Bank, NJ Somis Thursday Club, Inc. - Camarillo, CA St. Andrews Woman’s Club - Irmo, SC State Employees’ Community Campaign - Indianapolis, IN Student Math League - St. Louis Community College - Meramec - Saint Louis, MO Symphony of Life Spiritual Center - Ojai, CA Tender Loving Dog Care - Mansfield, OH The Columbus Foundation - Columbus, OH The Southwind Doll Club - Fallbrook, CA Truist - New York, NY

UAW Local 1777 - Shelby Township, MI Union County Humane Society - Union, SC VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital - Vancouver, WA Vet Tech Institute - Pittsburgh, PA West Los Angeles Obedience Training Club Inc. - Valley Village, CA Women’s Fellowship First Congregational Church - National City, CA Women’s Welcome Group of Lincoln - Lincoln, NE Yahoo Employee Funds - Princeton, NJ Zee Medical Service #34 - Ojai, CA Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Oldwick, NJ

SCHOOLS Baker Elementary School - San Jose, CA Bennett’s Mill Middle School - Fayetteville, GA Brooklyn College Academy - Brooklyn, NY Corporal Alex F. Kivlehan School - Staten Island, NY Fort Settlement Middle School - Sugar Land, TX PS 153 Maspeth Elementary - Ridgewood, NY Ruggles Lane School - Barre, MA Susan E. Wagner High School - Staten Island, NY Vergennes High School - Vergennes, VT Waldorf School - Sebastopol, CA Warren F. Kaynor Technical High School - Waterbury, CT

UNITED WAY Bank of America United Way Campaign California Capital Region Central and Northeastern Connecticut Central Maryland Delaware Greater Los Angeles Greater Milwaukee Inland Valleys National Capital Area Northern California Rhode Island San Joaquin County Santa Barbara County Somerset County / Northern New Jersey The Indiana Association of United Ways Valley of the Sun

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C O M M U N I T Y S U P P O R T

prints, visit the SDF store at: www.SearchDogFoundation.org

SDF Interns Sergio Valencia

The Mars Corporation is a strong SDF supporter through The Nutro Company dog food voucher pro-gram. The company gave SDF a wonderful gift last summer: Mars employee Sergio Valencia came all the way from Chile to volunteer with our social media and market-ing outreach.

“I have had many different expe-riences in my life, and I must say that one of the most rewarding and special was the opportunity to work with SDF, an incredible organization with a beautiful mission. It was truly a life-changing experience, one that I will keep close to my heart forever.”

Volunteer Spotlights Sharon Bacon

Sharon Bacon has been an active SDF volunteer since 2009. In addition to helping in the office and at events, she is now our Lifetime Care Family liaison.

Program Manager Kate Horwick says it best: “Sharon is AWESOME! She has been so helpful to us in staying connected with our Lifetime Care homes across the country, checking in on the health and well-being of our LTC dogs. I feel so fortunate to have Sharon involved in this project. She is building a wonder-ful rapport with all the families, helping to fulfill our commitment that once rescued, these dogs will never need to be rescued again.”

Office VolunteersAlana AdelmanClaudia AdelmanJuliana AdelmanOlivia AdelmanLeslie AulentaSharon BaconAndrew BonsignoriBarbara BickmoreCarole ChadickJoyce ChellCarol CristMerilee EatonVita FrancoJudy HallerJudy Kenney

Ivan MatesevacKatarina MatesevacDebi MauckSharon McMillanJudy MizeMarci MurphyJesse PerezLaura PollickShirley RamgrenCynthia SassenJo StalderAlexa StroudJackie ThomasDiane Zusman

Special Projects & EventsBecky BenardAndrea BergquistGary BickmoreBlue Thong SocietyDebbie & Mac BrownJeffrey ChavezSharon CromartieJessica DrewLynn FergusonRoberta HendryHarry HirschmanDeb Kelly

Jamie KitzJan LopezRyan MauckShannon MauckGary & Peggy MeinkeFran & John MelvilleBeverly NicholsNathan NicholsPatty O’LearLaura & Wayne RatheGlaen RedekerJeremy ReineckJessie Root

PhotographersTheresa Barns Susan ClaarEliot CrowleyTracy DarlingSharon HanzelkaAbbey HullJack Hutchinson Victoria LinssenMary LongJan LopezKaryn NewbillTroy OvermanTony PanzicaJan SlotarJennifer TappWilliam Wright

Judy RoweCherry SadlerBen ShortTokie ShynkChuck & Kathie SwiftJenna TicoKirk WellingtonJeff & Jill WenigDaryl WestWestlake Women’s ClubPenny Woodruff

InternshipsLaura BenardSergio ValenciaShaena Singer

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Laura Benard

This Stanford University Sophomore and Ojai local, Laura Benard, chose SDF for her summer internship. Laura really impressed us with her in-telligence and dedication, and she made a huge contribution to the planning of our September 11th Remembrance Event.

“Working for SDF was a phenomenal experience both professionally and personally. I gained valu-able research and planning skills while working with an inspirational and dedicated team on a mission that is dear to my heart.”

Shaena Singer

For Shaena Singer’s Senior Hero Project for Foot-hill Technology High School, she not only wanted to become a hero, but work with heroes herself. Rather than sparkly capes and spandex, Singer’s heroes have wet noses and four legs. Two days a week, Singer volunteers with the Search Dog Foundation.

She chose to volunteer with this organization be- cause she was inspired by their mission to take rescued dogs and make them rescuers. The fact that a local non-profit is making a huge impact worldwide with their search teams is amazing. – Glenda Marshall for The Foothill Dragon Press

Sergio takes part in the “CNN Heroes” taping

2011 SDF Volunteers

Marci Murphy

“I am a recent volunteer for SDF and consider it an honor to be involved in such an important and inspi-rational cause. I am so impressed with the staff and their high level of commitment and work ethic. Wilma Melville is truly a visionary hero and her love and re-spect for dogs carries through in every aspect of this operation. With such a big undertaking to raise the funds for the National Training Center, it’s heartwarm-ing to see how even the smallest donation is met with such enthusiasm. I’ve never met such a dedicated and nice group of people.”

S D F V O L U N T E E R S

SDF volunteers come to us from all walks of life. The most amazing people gravitate to SDF because they believe in our mission and our commitment to “no one left behind.” But what really inspires me about our vol-unteers is their generous hearts, their dedi-cation and their selfless service. The energy and commitment they pour into everything

they do here is so inspiring. These are people motivated to get up in the morning and make a difference in this world. I am honored and inspired by our volunteers every day I have the pleasure of working with them. – Reva Ferguson, Volunteer Coordinator

For more info, contact Reva at Reva@SearchDogFoundation.org or (888) 459-4376 x110

Financial Snapshot January 1 - December 31, 2011At the Search Dog Foundation, we believe we can do big things for America by remaining small, stable, and strong. We have seen other non-profits get big, bloated and bureaucratic, losing their ability to stay connected to their donors, control expenses, or deliver on their program mandates.

This is not our vision for SDF! Each year we work hard to grow our base of support through a variety of sustainable income streams without becoming dependent on a few top donors. 2011 was a very good year, with $2,192,571 raised in operational funds. This repre-sents an increase of $324,904 from 2010—due, in part, to the response from SDF’s supporters to our deployment to the Japan earthquake, Joplin tornados, and other disasters. Working together as a team, we were able to keep expenses down and build our reserves so that we continue to live within our means.

We are delighted to report that in 2011, 79% of our expenses was devoted to Program: recruiting and training 51 dogs, forming 15 new Search Teams, providing basic and advanced training for 72 existing Search Teams, and offering a Lifetime Care and Career Change pro-gram for all dogs accepted into our program but not destined to become Search Dogs.

Small, stable, and strong. This has been our course for the past 16 years, and guides us as we continue to lead the country in the field of Canine Disaster Search. We are well aware that our full potential as a resource for disaster preparedness will only be realized when we have opened the National Training Center, and are able to consolidate our recruitment, training and administrative functions, and provide advanced training for Search Teams from across America and around the world.

Summary2011 Operational Fundraising Goal . . . . . . . . $1,611,5242011 Operating Funds Raised . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,192,571

2011 Income Sources Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,092,008Individuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,100,563

2011 Expenses Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79%Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12%General & Admin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%

Balance Sheet Current Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,066,269Fixed Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,359,405Other Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,108Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,450,782Current Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750,329Long-Term Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000,000Net Assets - Restricted Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,555,271Net Assets - Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,145,182Total Liabilities & Net Assets . . . . . . . . . $12,450,782

Statement of Activities Revenues, Gains & Support Merchandise Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,615Cost of Goods Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-22,153Merchant Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-16,864Appeal Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174,195Endowment Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,286General Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670,580Workplace Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117,814Grants Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,092,008Sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127,512Reimbursement Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,487Underwritten Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,317In-Kind Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,002,185Restricted Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,921,346Rental Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,750Investment Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78,797Total Revenues, Gains & Support . . . . . . $6,358,875

Expenses Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,321,566Canine Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126,067Trainer Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203,622Lifetime Care Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95,298In-Kind Program Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,947,354Depreciation & Amortization - Program . . . . . . . . . 88,940General & Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308,896Depreciation & Amortization - Gen & Admin . . . . . . 6,512Investment Expenses - Gen & Admin . . . . . . . . . . 122,191Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544,677Depreciation & Amortization - Fundraising . . . . . . 13,012Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,778,135

Net Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,580,740

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – Tax ID #77-0412509. The organization has received a 4-Star (top) rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator.

2 0 1 1 F I N A N C I A L H I G H L I G H T S

© 2012 National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, all rights reserved. National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Dog with helmet icon, Bark Alert, Quest, Be Part of the Search, SearchDogsUSA, Good for Your Company - Good for the Country, Dog with Baseball Cap icon, IronDog are all registered trademarks of the National Disaster Search Dog Founda-tion. The Quest was printed on recycled paper using soy (not petroleum-based) ink.

12%Fundraising

9% General & Administration

79% Program

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalDisasterSearchDogFoundation • www.twitter.com/searchrescuedog

Learn more about the Search Teams: 501 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023 • 888.459.4376 • www.SearchDogFoundation.org

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S AV E PA P E R !

SDF Staff (L to R): Reva Ferguson, Joan Morley, Denise Hess, Wilma Melville, Serenity Nichols, Chris Wright, Celeste Matesevac, Debra Tosch, Rhett Mauck, Janet Reineck, Clare Bland, Kate Horwick, Lyz Gregory

SDF Board of DirectorsChris Wright, ChairJim Boggeri, Vice ChairRic Ruffinelli, TreasurerWilma Melville, Secretary

Michael Antonucci, Jr.Pluis DavernLinda D’OrsiDarrell Poplock