Discovering Her Passion
Sixteen years ago, when her youngest child left for college, Kerrie Garges asked herself a simple but life-changing question: “What am I going to do now?” That moment led her to a local nose\work class, where her journey into K9 Search and Rescue began. It was there that she met the trainer who would introduce her to the world of Search and Rescue with the Labrador Retriever who would be her first partner, Ace.
Ace’s natural instincts quickly became evident—he began in tracking and went on to earn certification in live-find. That first partnership laid the foundation for Kerrie’s deep commitment to Search and Rescue and the journey she would take alongside her dogs.
Luna, Gauge, and the Power of Muscle
Following Ace, Kerrie started her journey with Luna, a certified trailing dog who later trained in human remains detection (HRD). Luna’s journey wasn’t without challenges—she was diagnosed with early-onset hip dysplasia at just seven months old. Told that the best way to support her was to build muscle to help stabilize the joint, Kerrie turned to MYOS Canine Muscle Formula. Luna has now been on MYOS for three years, and Kerrie credits the supplement with helping Luna maintain her strength, mobility, and quality of life into her senior years.
This was the beginning of Kerrie’s incredible journey with Gauge, her second live-find dog. Certified in both article and Land HRD, Gauge had a natural gift for the work. Though his life was tragically cut short at just six years old due to HGE, the legacy he left behind was profound. One of his most unforgettable moments in Search and Rescue came shortly after his certification, when he located a missing man hidden deep in a brush pile—just 20 minutes into the search. Thanks to Gauge, that man made it home safely. His time with Kerrie may have been brief, but his impact will always be remembered.
A New Generation: Ice and Kizmet
After Gauge’s unexpected passing, his nephew Ice, already in Kerrie’s care, experienced his own grief. High-drive and full of energy, Ice had lost his best friend and playmate. To help fill the void—for both Ice and herself—Kerrie welcomed a new puppy named Kizmet into the family. Ice is now certified in Land HRD and training for water certification, while Kizmet, just five months old, is learning from both her humans and her "mommy dog," Luna.
Luna continues to surprise Kerrie with her resilience even with her diagnosis of hip dysplasia. At 11 years old, she’s still full of life—still working simple HRD scenarios at home, walking steep hills, and playing an important role in mentoring the younger dogs.
Giving Back, Staying Active, and Embracing the SAR Community
For Kerrie, the most rewarding part of Search and Rescue is being part of a community of passionate, like-minded dog lovers. With a 30-year background in environmental education, she cherishes the fresh air, the physical activity, and the friendships she’s formed through years of training, deploying, and attending seminars.
She also finds joy in public education and community outreach. Her team frequently participates in events with the special needs community, especially individuals with autism—who are often the subject of SAR deployments. The team holds an annual Halloween Bash, where they dress up their dogs, hands out candy and treats, and help kids become more comfortable around working K9s.
Strength, Support, and the Road Ahead
Kerrie is now in her 60's and mindful of her own limits—but she’s far from done. Though she no longer works live-find cases, she continues to train and deploy with her HRD dogs, helping families find closure and honoring the memory of those who’ve gone missing. Her dedication, fueled by love for her dogs and community, is evident in every part of her story.
Honoring the Team
From Ace to Luna, Gauge to Ice and Kizmet, Kerrie’s journey is one of purpose, resilience, and enduring connection. These dogs are more than working partners—they are family, teammates, and teachers.
We’re honored to spotlight Kerrie and her K9 crew as part of our Search and Rescue Handler Series. If you're inspired by her story, consider how you can support SAR teams in your area. And remember: keeping your own dogs strong and healthy—especially those recovering from injury or working hard in the field—can start with science-backed muscle support like MYOS Canine Muscle Formula.
Together, we can celebrate the remarkable bond between handlers and their dogs—teams that work tirelessly to bring hope and healing to their communities.
