A Calling That Began with Purpose
Kyla Rice’s journey into Search and Recovery began in 2001, inspired by a desire to make a difference in the wake of the September 11th attacks. At just 24 years old, she started training under Bill Tolhurst, a globally recognized figure in the field who led a specialized unit through the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. What began as an introduction quickly became a lifelong dedication to the field.
Even after Tolhurst’s passing in 2005 and changes in her professional role, Kyla never stepped away from the work. Though she could no longer formally volunteer with the sheriff’s office due to employment restrictions, she continued supporting investigations and is now associated with Niagara County Emergency Services’ Technical Rescue Team. Over the years, the work never left her—it became part of who she is.
A Legacy of Dogs
Kyla’s journey has been shaped by a remarkable line of working dogs. Her first partner, a German Shepherd named Lugar, worked until his passing in 2007. He was followed by K-9 Trace, an experienced human remains detection dog who served for a decade before passing in 2017.
Today, Kyla is alongside K-9 Emrick, who, despite facing several health challenges, never wavered in his dedication to her and to the field of Search and Recovery. Emrick is one year post-diagnosis of Osteosarcoma, which they have recently learned has metastasized to his lungs. Emrick also underwent a front leg amputation in April of last year. Despite everything, he continues to move through life with strength, resilience, and the same drive that defined his work.
The Drive Behind the Search
For Kyla, the purpose behind Search and Recovery is simple yet powerful—to give families answers, bring loved ones closure, and help ensure justice is served.
As she simply puts it:
“Bringing them home.”
That mission has remained constant throughout her career and continues to guide her work today.
The Reality of the Field
Search and Recovery is not easy work, and Kyla is clear about the realities behind it. It is volunteer-based, requiring significant personal investment in training, equipment, and education. The work demands not only the right dog—with the correct temperament and drive—but also a handler committed to doing things the right way.
Kyla also emphasizes the importance of professionalism in the field. She only deploys when requested by law enforcement and highlights the risks of untrained individuals self-deploying or mishandling scenes. For her, maintaining integrity and respecting the investigative process is essential.
Keeping a Working Dog Ready for Anything
Conditioning and exposure are key parts of preparing a Search and Recovery dog. Kyla has always focused on keeping her dogs active and adaptable—running across acres of land, navigating different environments, and becoming comfortable with a wide range of sights, sounds, and scenarios.
Today, Emrick’s routine has shifted to support his health and comfort. He continues to stay active, spending time outdoors daily and participating in weekly swim therapy sessions to help him with his spine at SandDancer Canine Swim Therapy & Fitness with his coach Nicole Barmore. The warm-water therapy tremendously helps support his mobility and overall well-being, allowing him to remain strong and engaged despite his diagnosis. In addition to his physical routine, Kyla makes time each day for play and what she calls “cookie time,” a special part of his day dedicated to treats, joy, and making sure his retirement is filled with happy moments.
Supporting Strength with MYOS
Kyla was introduced to MYOS through the working dog community and decided to try it, knowing how important muscle health is for performance and recovery. Emrick was already on MYOS prior to his amputation, and Kyla saw firsthand the impact it had on his recovery.
Within just a few weeks of surgery, Emrick was back on his feet—and even running. His strength and resilience during that time stood out, and Kyla firmly believes MYOS played a significant role in helping him rebuild and maintain muscle after such a major procedure. Today, he remains on MYOS as part of his daily routine.
Making Every Day Count
As Kyla looks ahead, her focus is on giving Emrick the happiest, fullest life possible. While she considers what the future may hold in terms of working another dog, her priority right now is making the most of every moment they have together.
Each day is filled with time outdoors, playing, and simple routines that bring joy—whether it’s throwing a ball or enjoying his favorite treats. After being given just a few months following his initial diagnosis more than a year ago, Emrick has continued to defy expectations, and Kyla embraces every day with him.
Honoring the Search
Kyla and Emrick’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a mission that matters. In the world of Search and Recovery, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the bond between handler and dog, and the impact they make together.
