Liz LaPointe has been in the world of Search and Rescue (SAR) for nearly 15 years. Her journey began when she co-owned a show line German Shepherd with a breeder involved with a SAR team in New Hampshire, which Liz then joined. Though her first dogs weren’t the perfect working fit, Liz's determination to learn and grow in the field only deepened. “I could see clearly that I needed a dog with a little more gas in the tank,” she shared. That realization set her on a path of continuous education and improvement, seeking out stronger training programs and expanding her understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field of search and rescue.
Meet the Pack
Liz and her husband currently have seven incredible dogs. Five of them are certified in Human Remains Detection (HRD), another one is active, and another one is now retired from Search and Rescue. Liz's current crew includes three Dutch Shepherds, two Malinois, a Labrador Retriever, and a German Shepherd.
Training, Activity, and Staying Fit
For Liz's dogs, staying in peak physical condition is non-negotiable. Their training includes regular obedience work, nose work, hiking, treadmill workouts, and SAR field training. Liz also noted that their schedule ramps up in the warmer months.
Liz and her husband are avid adventurers, so the dogs often tag along for 5- to 7-mile hikes. Their training isn’t just physical, though; it includes real-world problem-solving exercises across large properties to prepare for multi-hour deployments in the field.
Why MYOS?
With a house full of active working dogs—many now reaching their senior years—Liz was introduced to MYOS through a friend whose dog was recovering from ACL surgery. She first tried it with her dog Leon when he started showing signs of slowing down at age 12.
“I saw a lack of muscle mass in his hind corners and a little more trouble with the stairs,” she recalled. “Once I put him on MYOS, he was going up and down stairs right to his last day at almost 15 years of age.”
She’s now a strong advocate of MYOS for maintaining muscle health and function in aging dogs and those recovering from injury. One of her dogs experienced a rare injury—tearing the tendons below both hocks—and underwent surgery last year. Throughout her recovery, Liz kept her on MYOS.
“She’s not 100% due to the implants, but she’s back to chasing squirrels and balls. But she got her muscle back, and that’s key,” Liz emphasized.
The Joys and Challenges of Search and Rescue
Liz loves the bond that forms through training and teamwork. “I like watching dogs learn and figure things out,” she said. “Seeing them come alive when they understand—that’s the most rewarding part.”
Of course, Search and Rescue comes with challenges. Every dog is different, and tailoring training approaches takes patience. Her Labrador, for example, presented unique hurdles compared to her other dogs. “She responds so differently to tools and motivation. But it's good for me—it’s how you grow as a trainer.”
For those inspired by Liz'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.
