I am first and foremost a Search and Rescue K9 Handler. My dogs who have all been extremely skilled, smart and forgiving, have always been my best ambassadors. Without them, there would not be a point writing these lines.

Chip was my first Search Dog. He started his life as an obedience competition dog and while we were very successful and earned a bunch of titles, this was mostly an ego trip for me. BUt it also had a positive effect as from dog owner, I became a competitor and a dog trainer. These skills made my life much easier when we turned to K9 SAR. I at least understood how to work with my dog. Reading Chip, understanding when he was in scent and when he found were skills I had to learn. I was the weakest link there, but once we clicked, boy did I ever know to read a subtle dog and all thereafter were so much easier. Thank you Chip for a job well done and having taught me the secrets of canine communication. Chip participated in many searches in NY State and several in Israel. Chip passed on in 2004 at 15 years of age, starting a dynasty of search and rescue dogs.

Next in line comes Amir's Shadowdale Doppleradar or Radar for short. Radar has worked searches in NY State, Israel, Australia and Canada. Radar has also worked on the 9-11 recovery efforts on the Fresh Kills site in Staten Island. And Radar worked the large water search near City Island NY, breaking open the size of areas searched on water. 

Both Chip and Radar worked a harrowing search while in Israel. It was in the Judean Desert, right by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth 1378ft or 420 meters below sea level. Both performed very well despite the bone dry heat and the very rough terrain. Unfortunately when the deceased subject was located, it was miles away from that area.

Radar also participated with 1SRG, in the search for Robert Bogucki in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Robert had been walking in the desert for about 40 days when due to 1SRG's efforts, his tracks were found and after further search operations, he was located alive and recovered completely from his trek.

Radar earned the NYS Senate Liberty Medal for his 9-11 work

 On the right, Radar alerts, telling me he found his subject

9-11 Radar working with me (red helmet):  recovery duty, Fresh Kills, Staten Island NY

Amir's Shadowdale Sonar, or Sonar for short started training when Radar was about six years old. Sonar is a smaller sized female, but she worked like a border collie, making up for her size in athleticism and speed. Sonar truly loves people and if not working,  she will train whomever is near her to pet her and mainly rub her chest. Sonar did participate is a few searches in NY State but unfortunately got hurt in training in Montana - anterior crucial ligament injury. Despite surgery and rehabilitation efforts, she had to be retired from SAR.

Sonar searching high and low. Always full of energy and precision!