Gail Leedy’s journey into K9 Search and Rescue began about seven years ago, though not initially as a handler. She first joined the field as a field support person, but after meeting two women involved in the canine side of Search and Rescue who encouraged her to explore working with dogs, Gail's journey in K9 Search and Rescue Began. Gail spent a couple of years supporting that team before deciding she wanted to train a dog herself.

Her first dog ultimately did not show the specific abilities needed for search work, but Gail continued pursuing her goal. Today she has two dogs, both Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Named Hatch and Hope, who have been training and working with her for the past few years. 

Meet Gail's Duo of Dogs

Gail’s two current dogs are both Rhodesian Ridgebacks, a breed known primarily as sighthounds. While they are naturally drawn to movement—meaning anything running in front of them can quickly grab their attention—they also rely heavily on their noses in search work.

Each dog has developed a different specialty. One serves as a trailing dog, while the other works as an area search dog. One of Gail's dogs is already certified for missions, while the other is very close to certification. For Gail, live-find work holds a special place. She feels particularly passionate about searches focused on finding missing people and bringing them home safely.

A Mission That Stays With You

Gail's experiences as a field support volunteer have shaped her motivation for live-find. One particularly difficult mission involved a missing child. The search did not include a trailing dog, and Gail has carried the feeling that such a resource might have made a difference in that search.

That experience has stayed with her and continues to drive her commitment to training and readiness. Gail wants to be prepared if a similar situation ever happens again, ensuring that she and her dogs can respond when needed.

Staying Strong and Ready

Gail and her dogs maintain a demanding but rewarding fitness routine. As an ultra runner who regularly runs between six and ten miles a day, Gail brings her dogs along for the ride. They run primarily in terrain similar to where real searches may occur, keeping her team sharp and ready for anything. 

Beyond running, Gail's dogs also train in agility, which helps build strength, coordination, and endurance. On most weeks they run at least three miles a day, six days a week, and often much farther—sometimes reaching distances of ten to twenty miles. This level of activity keeps the dogs exceptionally fit and prepared for the physical demands of Search and Rescue work.

Supporting the Search with MYOS

Gail first learned about MYOS through the agility community, where many handlers were already using the supplement to support their dogs’ muscle health. She decided to try it with one of her dogs who occasionally showed signs of soreness and lameness.

Despite testing that found no underlying medical issue, the dog sometimes appeared uncomfortable after activity. After starting MYOS at around one year of age, Gail noticed that those signs of stiffness and soreness disappeared. Since then, the dog has continued to thrive, maintaining strong muscle mass and remaining active and healthy.

Expanding the Search

In addition to training her own dogs, Gail has recently helped start a new Search and Rescue team in Albuquerque called 505 SAR Dogs. While an established and successful team already operates in the area, that group focuses heavily on human remains detection. 505 SAR Dogs wanted to focus specifically on live-find work.

The new team currently includes twelve members and six dogs. One dog is already certified, with two others expected to certify soon and the remaining dogs progressing steadily in their training. The group trains three weekend days each month and holds motivational training sessions every Wednesday evening to build skills and enthusiasm for the work.

Training locations vary with the seasons. In summer, the foothills around Albuquerque can become too hot for safe training, while winter brings snow that limits access to higher elevations. Despite these challenges, the team continues to find creative ways to train and grow together.

Community outreach is very important part of the team’s mission. Gail and her fellow handlers participate in events whenever possible to raise awareness about Search and Rescue. They recently supported a 50K race by providing SAR presence in case runners needed assistance. They also attended a large outdoor adventure show that drew thousands of people. The dogs naturally attracted visitors to their booth, creating an opportunity for the team to explain the role of Search and Rescue and how K9 teams help during emergencies.

If you are interested in getting involved or supporting the field of Search and Rescue, consider Supporting and learning about your local SAR teams! It is a great way to recognize the dedication of the volunteers and dogs who work tirelessly to help those in need.