National Disaster Search Dog Foundation Search Dog Teams Deploy Ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Giving List Staff   |   October 10, 2024
NYTF2 Posed, Hurricane Helene (Photo credit New York Task Force / Search Dog Foundation)

Sixteen canine disaster search teams trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) have joined the ranks of hundreds of two- and four-legged rescuers from across the country, answering the call for assistance from communities soon to be affected by Hurricane Milton.

These teams are in addition to the twelve SDF-trained canine disaster search teams that deployed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many of whom are still assisting in rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina.

As part of a massive response to these disasters, the following SDF-trained teams now join their task force teammates ahead of the incoming storm, in preparation for rescue efforts in areas hit by Hurricane Milton:

Ruffy & Jason Jasgur Ruger & Mark Stevenson posed airport Hurricane Milton 10-7-24 (Credit LAFD / Search Dog Foundation)

Lauren Canning & Barney (California Task Force 3, San Francisco Fire)
Lee Culley & Tom (Utah Task Force 1)
Josh Davis & Bosco (California Task Force 3, San Francisco Fire)
Tyler Green & Mila (California Task Force 5, Orange County Fire Authority)
Jason Jasgur & Ruffy (California Task Force 1, Los Angeles Fire)
Carey Jenkins & Nate (Nebraska Task Force 1, Lincoln Fire-Rescue)
Phil Kleinheinz & Sassy (California Task Force 3, Santa Clara Fire)
Kalub Lewis & Cyrus (Utah Task Force 1, Unified Fire Authority)
Garreth Miller & Reva (California Task Force 3, San Francisco Fire)
Sean Monville & Nanci (California Task Force 5, Orange County Fire Authority)
Sean Quigley & Geno (California Task Force 2, Los Angeles County Fire)
Adam Schaaf & Dodger (Nebraska Task Force 1, Lincoln Fire-Rescue)
Mark Stevenson & Ruger (California Task Force 1, Los Angeles Fire)
Kevin Tatro & Dempsey (Nebraska Task Force 1)
Mike Toepfer & Deacon (California Task Force 2, Los Angeles County Fire)
Jessica White & Alder (Oklahoma Task Force 1, Oklahoma City Fire)

The majority of canines recruited by SDF are rescued dogs, found in shelters across the country, that have the toy drive, energy and focus to be working dogs. After nine to twelve months of search dog training with SDF, the dogs are partnered with first responders throughout the United States and Mexico. Together, human and canine forge a bond that is the foundation of their decade-long career together, helping others in the aftermath of disasters like Milton.

Pluto & Brandy deployed for Hurricane Helene (Photo credit FEMA / Search Dog Foundation)

Hurricane Milton is currently expected to make landfall tonight as a Category 3 storm after roaring across the Gulf of Mexico to Florida’s west coast.

In the aftermath of the storm, rescue crews, including federal, state, and local agencies, will provide aid to affected communities in Florida, while recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina.

We are deeply grateful for the many rescuers, two- and four-legged alike, who have answered the call to help those in need. Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by this devastating event, and we offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those lost.

 

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

Donate now!

www.SearchDogFoundation.org
(888) 4K9-HERO
(805) 646-1015
Executive Director: Rhett Mauck

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters.

Begin to Build a Relationship

We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s Director of Development and/or Executive Director.

Over the years, the Search Dog Foundation has paired many canine disaster search teams that serve the Bay Area and we are grateful to have these canines as a resource to call upon when needed for our urban search and rescue team as part of the San Francisco Fire Department and California Task Force 3. The search dogs are a vital part of any deployment response – whether earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, or missing person searches, these highly trained canines are instrumental in completing our search missions. The Search Dog Foundation provides these canines as invaluable assets for our department and part of Task Force 3 free of charge, ensuring we stand ready to serve our community when called upon to help.
Jeanine Nicholson
Fire Chief, San Francisco Fire Department

Sponsor the Canine Heroes

The frequency and strength of recent disasters are stark reminders that they can strike at the heart of any community. In the search for victims, a search dog’s remarkable nose and hard-earned skills mean the difference between days versus minutes, lost versus found, uncertainty versus hope. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) works diligently to ensure canine search teams across America can deploy at a moment’s notice when needed, which includes preparing the next generation of canine heroes.

From the day they arrive on campus to the day they are paired with first responders, SDF spends approximately $60,000 to train a search dog over 10 to 12 months. 

SDF is raising $900,000 to train the next search dog graduates. Donors at $20,000 and above can become sponsors of a search dog in training, receiving updates on their progress and milestones throughout their career. Sponsor one or even a pack of canine heroes to be Part of the Search! 

Key Supporters

George Leis – Board Chair
President and COO,
Montecito Bank & Trust
Richard Butt – Board Vice Chair
Retired EVP, Executive Creative
Director, VMLY&R
Mike J. Diani – Secretary
President, Diani Building Corp.
Christine DeVries
Management Consultant
Robert Harris, Battalion Chief,
Los Angeles County Fire Dept.
Rhett Mauck, CEO, National
Disaster Search Dog Foundation
Sydne Rennie, Attorney,
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Deborah Whiteley,
Communications Consultant
Crystal Wyatt, Leadership in
Board Governance and Creative
& Sustainable Philanthropy