Here at MYOS, we are thrilled to support working dogs and their handlers, and we had the pleasure of speaking with one of these handlers, Cindy, about her journey as a Search and Rescue K9 Handler (SAR K9 Handler) with her incredible furry companion, Nalu.
Cindy and Nalu: A Paw-Some Search and Rescue K9 Team
Cindy and her dog, Nalu, are a team that have been making a difference in their community and beyond. Cindy's journey into SAR K9 work began as a family endeavor when her son wanted to do something meaningful with their dog together. What started as a family bonding activity soon turned into a passion for Cindy, who has always been an outdoorsy person with a deep love for dogs and helping those around her.
The frequency of Cindy and Nalu's searches vary, as they may get one or two calls per week or go months without any calls.
Caring for Working Dogs: Cindy's Approach to Nalu's Fitness & Training
When not on a call, Cindy and Nalu maintain a structured training schedule to ensure Nalu stays fit and healthy, just like human athletes do. They participate in weekly training sessions and Cindy emphasizes the importance of daily exercise not only for Nalu's body but also her mind. This includes anything from daily walks, playing outside, swimming, and doing nose work to stimulate her mind. Cindy has also incorporated acupuncture, adjustments, and cold laser therapy into Nalu's care regimen. Stretching and warming up are also essential parts of Nalu's routine, similar to how athletes prepare for their performances.
Cindy emphasizes the importance of reading and trusting her dog's body language in their work. This deep understanding and connection allow them to work seamlessly together, whether it's bringing closure to families, finding a lost loved one, or helping to solve a major case. She told us that that the bond between a handler and their SAR dog goes beyond companionship—it's a unique working relationship built on trust, communication, and shared experiences. "These dogs never cease to amaze me," she says, highlighting the incredible capabilities of SAR K9s.
The Impact of MYOS on Nalu's Health and Performance
Within just a month of using MYOS, Cindy noticed a significant difference in Nalu's physical condition. While Nalu's weight remained stable, she bulked up with muscle, particularly in her hind end, which had been weakened by arthritis in her hips.
Cindy is an advocate for MYOS, not just for Nalu but for other handlers and their dogs. She believes that MYOS provides support for aging or middle-aged dogs showing signs of injury or declining performance, helping them recover and continue to thrive in their work.
As Nalu nears retirement age, Cindy is going to let her dictate when she's ready to step back and enjoy her retirement. She is looking forward to the future with her new dog, JB (short for Jimmy Buffett), who is a fourteen-month-old German Shepard and is getting ready for a great career in the world of Search and Rescue.
Whether on a search or training together in the yard, Cindy and Nalu continue to inspire with their commitment, perseverance, and love for the work they do together. For more information about Cindy and Nalu's team, Sarasota K9 Search & Rescue, and to learn how you can support their life-saving work, visit their website at sarasotak9sar.net.
