In a remarkable display of resilience, former shelter dogs are stepping up to assist in the search efforts for survivors and victims of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. These highly trained search dogs, mobilized in their own hometown, are working tirelessly to navigate the rubble left by the devastating Palisades Fire in coastal Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Valley.
Five specialized search dog teams, all certified by the Search Dog Foundation based in Ventura County, have been deployed to the area. These teams are focusing on both rescue operations and the recovery of human remains in the aftermath of the fires.
The teams, composed of skilled handlers and their canine partners, include:
- Jon Munguia & Clifford of the Los Angeles County Fire Department
- Josh Davis & Bosco, and Garreth Miller & Reva of California Task Force 3 – Urban Search and Rescue in the Bay Area
- Patrick Easton & Linus, and Eric Lieuwen & Ridge of California Task Force 7 – Urban Search and Rescue in Sacramento
The Search Dog Foundation, located in Santa Paula, trains and certifies rescue dogs that can effectively locate individuals in disaster zones. Notably, many of the dogs, including those now deployed in Los Angeles, were originally rescued from shelters after being surrendered due to their high energy. This very characteristic, once seen as a liability, now makes them ideal candidates for search and rescue operations.
A spokesperson for the foundation highlighted the transformation of these dogs, saying, “Many of these incredible dogs have truly gone from rescued shelter dog to rescuer, now on the front lines helping with rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of these devastating fires.”
The Search Dog Foundation not only supports local operations but also responds to national and international disasters. Recently, their teams were deployed to the Southeastern U.S. following Hurricane Helene and to Turkey in 2023 to assist in the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake.
Currently, the foundation oversees 94 trained teams across nine states and Baja California, Mexico, standing ready to assist in any major disaster. Through their invaluable contributions, these former shelter dogs are proving that their past does not define their future, making a lasting impact on recovery efforts across the globe.