HSVC was excited to welcome Sylvia Stoney and Dane Mehl from the National Search Dog Foundation (SDF) to the shelter earlier this month. The pair was onsite filming a new training video for SDF's canine recruitment program. The video, which stars HSVC Animal Care Associate Lacie Lopez and her trusty sidekick Zuko, will be used as a tool to help other rescues test their dogs as potential SDF candidates. We were honored to be included in the project!

Founded in 1996, SDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Santa Paula, California. They strive to strengthen disaster response in America by recruiting shelter dogs, training them, and partnering them with first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. Their ideal search dog candidate has high energy, obsessive toy drive, and is very friendly with people. Candidates must also be between 1-2 years of age and are ideally of the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Aussie Shepherd, or German Shepherd breed. 

HSVC and SDF have been long-time partners and often work together to find happy endings for our high-energy shelter pups. One of our rescue dogs, a sweet Black Labrador named Moxie, successfully graduated from their training program and served as a search dog for many years. Moxie has since crossed the rainbow bridge, but SDF has remained a steady supporter of the work we do at our shelter. They have taken in several of our highest-energy pups and helped find forever homes for them. We are so grateful for their partnership!

Left: Zuko was thrilled to be the star of the show during filming. He wowed our SDF friends with his handsome good looks and listening skills. At 3-years-old, Zuko is just over SDF's age requirement, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't make an amazing companion! The Aussie Shepherd mix is sweet, friendly, and would do anything for a tennis ball. He's looking for an active owner who can keep up with his energetic personality. Stop by the shelter if you think you could be a good match for our boy Zuko! The HSVC is located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai and visiting hours are between 10 am and 4:30 pm.