From Curiosity to a Lifelong Commitment

Bonnie's introduction to Search and Rescue began more than four decades ago while dating her husband, who worked as a ranger with the Bureau of Land Management. Search and Rescue was part of his responsibilities and this was one of Bonnie's first introductions to the field.

At the time, they were living near Death Valley, an environment where a lack of water, shade, and resources could quickly turn a missing person case into a life-threatening emergency. Watching those searches unfold sparked Bonnie's interest, and she knew she wanted to become involved—especially if she could do it alongside her dog.

She began training her German Shepherd in tracking before eventually moving to an area with an established Search and Rescue team. Once she joined, she never looked back. More than 40 years later, Search and Rescue remains a central part of her life.

Meet Bonnie's Dogs: Vallen and Kipling

Today, Bonnie has two Belgian Malinois: Vallen and Kipling.

Vallen, now 13 years old, served as Bonnie's previous Search and Rescue partner and spent years working in the field before his retirement. His successor, Kipling, recently turned two and comes from the same working line of Malinois as Vallen. Earlier this year, Kipling earned his Search and Rescue certification, marking the beginning of his own career.

Bonnie resides in southern Arizona, where temperatures can reach well above 100 degrees for much of the year. Working dogs in that environment need not only drive and determination, but also the stamina and conditioning to operate safely in extreme heat.

To accommodate those conditions, Bonnie often starts her day before sunrise, getting the dogs out for exercise while temperatures are still relatively cool. Even then, "cool" can mean temperatures in the 80s.

She is also a member of the Santa Cruz County Search and Rescue Team, located along the Arizona-Mexico border. The team responds to a variety of searches, including missing hikers, travelers, and an increasing number of Alzheimer's-related cases.

The Partnership Between Handler and Dog

When asked what she finds most rewarding about Search and Rescue, Bonnie's answer wasn't centered on a specific mission or deployment. Instead, it was the relationship she develops with her dogs.

Training a Search and Rescue dog takes years of dedication, patience, and teamwork. Unlike her previous experience as a K9 officer and canine trainer—where adult dogs were selected and trained before being paired with handlers—Search and Rescue often begins with a puppy. Handlers guide their dogs through every stage of development, creating a relationship that grows and evolves over time.

Bonnie describes that partnership as a true team effort, even comparing it to a marriage. There are times when the handler is the stronger member of the team and times when the dog takes the lead. Learning to trust one another and communicate without words becomes one of the most important aspects of the work.

As dogs gain experience, they develop confidence and independence in the field. Bonnie has seen firsthand how extended searches can shape a dog, allowing them to grow into their role and develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities. Watching that progression—and helping teammates build those same relationships with their own dogs—remains one of the most rewarding parts of Search and Rescue for her.

Conditioning for the Demands of the Desert

Maintaining a Search and Rescue dog's fitness is essential, especially in an environment as challenging as the Arizona desert.

Bonnie uses a variety of conditioning methods, including walking, jogging, toy play, treadmill work, and flirt pole exercises. 

Kipling's conditioning program has been especially important as he's matured. As a young, large Malinois, Bonnie noticed that he remained loose in his joints and movement longer than expected. Although veterinary evaluations showed no structural issues, she carefully managed his exercise while he continued growing and developing.

Recently, as Kipling approached his second birthday, Bonnie began seeing noticeable improvements in his strength, stability, and overall movement. With that progress, she has gradually introduced more intense exercise, including flirt pole work and additional treadmill training.

Supporting Search and Rescue Canines with MYOS

Bonnie originally started using MYOS with Vallen as he entered his senior years and began experiencing the natural muscle loss that comes with aging.

As Vallen grew older, MYOS became an important part of helping him maintain his strength, mobility, and quality of life. Bonnie believes it has played a significant role in supporting him throughout his retirement years.

More recently, she decided to begin using MYOS with Kipling as well. As she worked through his growth and conditioning challenges, she hoped additional muscle support would help strengthen and stabilize him as he matured.

While Kipling's development has certainly benefited from time and carefully managed exercise, Bonnie has been encouraged by the improvements she's seen since incorporating MYOS into his routine. Today, both dogs remain on MYOS, and Bonnie is interested in continuing to explore the benefits of supporting working dogs throughout their entire careers—not just during their senior years.

A Passion Shared by Handlers

Like so many Search and Rescue handlers across the country, Bonnie volunteers her time, energy, and resources to the work she loves. She notes that most SAR programs rely heavily on volunteers who personally invest in training, equipment, travel, and continuing education.

Despite the challenges, the passion remains strong. Whether it's the teamwork, the dog training, the relationships, or the opportunity to help others, Search and Rescue continues to bring together people who are willing to dedicate themselves to something larger than themselves.

Bonnie's story is a reminder that behind every Search and Rescue dog is a partnership built on trust, commitment, and years of hard work. Together, handlers and dogs like Bonnie, Vallen, and Kipling continue to make a difference—one search at a time.