For Rick Markum, working with dogs has always been second nature. After starting by working with dogs on ranches, he found a new calling when he moved to Alabama. He wanted to continue working with dogs—but also do something meaningful. Search and Rescue (SAR) was the perfect fit: “I got to help people… without the people part,” Rick shared with a laugh. “I love making a difference, but I’m not someone who enjoys being in the spotlight. SAR lets me do good without needing recognition.”
Five years later, Rick has built an impressive team of SAR dogs—and thrives in his work with them.
Meet Rick’s Incredible K9 Team
Rick’s journey into Search and Rescue began with Nika, his first SAR partner and certified Area Search Dog. “And there it started the the addiction of doing Search and Rescue,” he says. From there, his passion for detection work only grew—leading to a full team of four dogs, each with a unique specialty. Bellum, his Dutch Shepherd, is a skilled tracking dog with incredible drive. Brita, his 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois, was recently certified in Human Remains Detection (HRD). Most recently, Rick added a young Blue Heeler puppy to the mix—his favorite breed since growing up with them since childhood. She’s in training to be dual-certified in both live search and HRD. With these four by his side, Rick has built a versatile and dedicated team, each dog playing a crucial role in their shared mission to serve and support their community.
Training, Fitness, and Recovery: Building Stronger Dogs
In between callouts and formal trainings, Rick puts serious effort into keeping his dogs in peak physical condition. “We’re big on stretching, warm-ups, and mobility,” he explains. With Nika starting to slow down due to some joint issues, Rick has begun integrating FitPaws exercises and recently got a slat mill to support year-round cardio and strength conditioning.
From daily walks to specialized strength-building exercises, Rick treats his dogs like elite athletes—because that’s what they are.
The Reward of the Search & Rescue
“The most rewarding part is watching it all click—the dog figuring out the problem, when it starts to make sense. That seems to be the best part.” Rick shared that they had their first find about a month ago, which was very beneficial.
While the work can be emotionally heavy, Rick finds deep fulfillment in what he does. Though not every call ends in a recovery, Rick values each opportunity to serve and support families and help them find closure when it is deeply needed.
MYOS: Helping Rick’s Dogs Stay Strong and Search-Ready
Rick first started using MYOS long before becoming a distributor. “I started my Dutch Shepherd on it at six months old—and she’s a beast,” he said. Rick shared that he has been using both the Muscle Formula and the Green-Lipped Mussel formula, and has been loving the results for his dogs.
With four dogs in active training, Rick knows how important long-term muscle health is. MYOS has become a staple in their daily care routine, helping his dogs stay strong, fit, and ready for any mission.
More Than the Search: Meet Impactful Canine Training & Solutions
Rick doesn’t just train working dogs—he helps everyday dog owners strengthen their relationships too. He owns and operates Impactful Canine Training & Solutions in Huntsville, Alabama. Through personalized training programs, Rick’s mission is to help people “Strengthen the bond with your furry best friend and gain control, confidence, and joy in dog ownership.” You can learn more at impactfulcanine.com!
Rick’s story is a powerful reminder of how dedication, compassion, and the right team—both human and canine—can create an incredible impact. We’re proud to help his dogs and many working dogs stay fit with MYOS.
For those inspired by Rick’s story, consider how you can support Search and Rescue teams in your community—and keep your own pets healthy and active with MYOS Canine Muscle Formula. Together, we can celebrate the incredible partnerships between humans and dogs that make the world a safer place!
