An Unexpected Path to Search & Rescue

For this month’s Search & Rescue spotlight, we had the pleasure of speaking with K9 search and rescue handler, Becky. Her journey into Search & Rescue began unexpectedly, with a dog named Honor who seemed to have one thing on his mind: using his nose!

When Becky first got Honor, he was being raised to become a service dog. However, he eventually left the program, and his puppy raiser offered Becky the opportunity to take him home. It didn't take long for her to notice Honor's incredible interest in scent. He was constantly sniffing everything around him, and she began wondering how she could give him an opportunity to put that natural ability to use.

One day while she was driving, Becky noticed a car with a bumper sticker that read "K9 Search & Rescue." It was an unexpected moment of inspiration. She immediately realized that Search & Rescue could give Honor the opportunity to use his incredible sense of smell while honoring the working-dog foundation he had originally been raised for. After this exciting moment, Becky found her way into the world of Search & Rescue.

Meet the Duo: Becky & Honor

Today, Becky and Honor, a Golden Retriever, are part of Sandia Search Dogs, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

For Becky, one of the most rewarding parts of being a Search & Rescue handler is watching Honor work. She finds it incredible to see what these dogs are capable of and how naturally they take to the tasks they're trained to do. 

Preparing for the Challenges of the Field

One of the biggest challenges Becky faces in Search & Rescue is navigating the rugged terrain that handlers and their dogs encounter in the field. These environments can be difficult for both the handler and the K9, with challenging terrain creating potential injury risks.

To keep Honor physically prepared, Becky participates in larger team training sessions at least three times a month, along with weekly motivational trainings. Outside of organized training, she makes sure Honor stays active through daily walks and additional conditioning exercises.

She incorporates core-strengthening exercises into his everyday routine, sometimes using mealtime as an opportunity to practice. She also works on having Honor sit on inclines, stand on his hind legs, and navigate raised objects in their environment to strengthen his hindquarters. They also spend time playing fetch at the park to help build his endurance.

Supporting Honor's Strength and Longevity with MYOS

At 10 and a half years old, Honor continues to impress the people around him with his appearance and energy level.

Becky told us one of the most common reactions she gets when people ask Honor's age is disbelief. When she tells them he's 10 and a half, people sometimes assume she means 10 and a half months! Many comment that he looks like a puppy and how great he looks for his age.

She recognizes that when you live with your dog every day, it can sometimes be difficult to notice the smaller changes over time. However, the feedback she receives from others has been encouraging.

Becky has incorporated MYOS into Honor's routine as part of her approach to supporting his muscle health. When people ask what she does to keep him looking so good, she is happy to share details about his diet and supplementation.

A Partnership Built Around Purpose

Becky's journey into Search & Rescue may have started with a simple desire to give Honor an opportunity to use his incredible sense of smell, but it has grown into a rewarding partnership built around training, teamwork, and a shared purpose.

From navigating rugged terrain to participating in regular conditioning and team training, Becky works hard to keep Honor prepared for the demands of the field. And through it all, one of her favorite things remains the same: simply watching him do what he loves.

We're grateful to Becky for sharing her story and giving us a glimpse into her experiences as a Search & Rescue handler. We're continually inspired by the incredible abilities of these working dogs and the dedication of the handlers who work alongside them! Much of Search & Rescue work is volunteer-based, so consider reaching out to your local team to learn how you can support their efforts or get involved!