Contributor: Arc Aspicio x

Archie and his handler, Samantha Wilkins, are members of the Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Nebraska Task Force 1. Archie was recruited from Next Step Service Dogs when the Program Director noticed all of the energy and drive he had, and knew that the National Search Dog Foundation (SDF) would be the place for him. Archie joins Samantha and her dog, Melody, at his new home and enjoys going on walks and playing ball. Since Archie’s recruitment, he has graduated training and is working with Savannah to become certified so they can deploy and work with their task force.

Leslie and her handler, Erik Falkenstrom, are members of the California Task Force 4. Leslie was donated to SDF by Kaiser K9 in Catonsville, MD. She was initially too young to join the SDF Training Program, so she was fostered by the Darling Family and the Tisdale Family. Leslie and Erik are currently working with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.

Echo and his handler, Brook Rowley, are currently in training to become officially certified. After certification, they will join the New York Task Force 2, which Brook has been a member of for two years. Echo was rescued from a shelter in Menands, New York after originally being surrendered to a shelter in Tennessee as an active and playful pup. Echo was rescued from NY after seeing his high potential for the search and rescue field.
MEET THE TEAM

Lexi is a sweet and excitable black lab found at the Humane Society of the Blacks Hills, South Dakota. Two SDF recruiters picked up on her potential due to her limitless energy. Lexi easily passed her formal evaluation in California and has performed beautifully as she is placed in more challenging scenarios. One of the star students in the Canine Class of 2019, Lexi’s trainers say she is as great on the rubble pile as she is loving and good natured. We look forward to Lexi’s expected graduation in December 2019!