Good boy Milo took a field trip to visit his friends at National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) last week! The 1-year-old Belgian Malinois journeyed to SDF's campus in Santa Paula to be tested as a potential candidate for their search dog program. While he didn't quite have what they were looking for, Milo certainly had a fun day outside of the shelter!

SDF is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening disaster response in America by recruiting shelter dogs and training them to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. They look specifically for young, energetic, toy-driven pups as candidates for their training program. After seeing Milo's enthusiastic personality and love for tennis balls, SDF invited him to their campus to further test his skills.

Above: One of the tests Milo endured was a pack walk test in which the SDF staff walked him next to another dog. The purpose of this test was to see how reactive Milo was with the other dog.

Milo might not have had the qualities SDF was looking for, but we know his perfect home is out there somewhere! Through this experience, we learned Milo does well in cars, doesn't mind being handled by strangers, and loves his toys more than ever! The SDF staff had nothing but good things to say about his sweet and friendly demeanor. He would make a great dog for an active owner with his breed experience. 

If you think you could a good home for Milo, stop by the shelter to visit him! We are open Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm and we are located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, CA. Please note that because Milo came to our shelter as a result of a humane investigation, all applications for him will be reviewed and approved by our Humane Officers. Help us find Milo his true forever home!