The Origin and Evolution of Search and Rescue Dogs in California

Abstract

Search Dogs have been working in California for just over 50 years. They capture the attention and hearts of the public and the media when they respond to help find victims of calamity. And there have been a lot of calamities. There is no doubt America loves her dogs. While there have been plenty of books that describe individual teams and their exploits in search and rescue, there is very little written work that captures the history and evolution of this profession. Our history is an oral one – passed down from handler to handler, generation to generation. Some is accurate, some is embellished, and some is downright wrong. This research is a labor of love into a profession I have poured my heart and soul into. It deserves to have its founders and innovators highlighted, and a common historical reference established. But mostly, it’s to honor the dogs who are not volunteers, but still willingly go to places most humans fear to tread. They are our partners, our friends, our soulmates, and sometimes our last hope of being found.