1 person found this review helpful
Review from CharityNavigator National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Inc.
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May 1, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
You've got to see it to believe it. . . You've got to talk with the founder, a woman that at 65, had a dream to be more effective in rescuing people in disaster situations. . . to know how tremendously effective this relatively new program is in it's outreach, now receiving international requests as well, and without tax dollars. Most of the dogs in the program have been rescued from shelters themselves and are trained for 3 years to then become rescuers, heroes, ambassadors of life. . . You've got to see it to believe it. Well organized, highly efficient in outlay and true to purpose, the program trains dogs who are then GIVEN to firefighters and other search and rescue groups, WITHOUT CHARGE. You've got to see it to believe it.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 29, 2013
The National Search Dog Foundation is committed to strengthening disaster response in America through the recruitment and training of search dog teams – it’s a mission that Woodmen of the World stands behind and supports, as we’ve been providing relief for natural disasters since 1900.
Every person that we came in contact with at the SDF shared a passion and love for the work they do – and that passion was passed to our associates, families and friends. We’ve been truly amazed at the talent and abilities of both the trainers and their search dogs! We look forward to seeing what great things they have planned for the future.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 25, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
It's hard to think of a more dire situation than being trapped in a collapsed structure as a result of a man made or natural disaster. I can only begin to imagine the despair such an experience would entail for the victim and their loved ones. I think it's likely in such a horrible situation that one's life might come down to the skill and training of a search dog and it's handler. While none of us expect to find ourselves needing such assistance, we obviously live in an unpredictable world. My wife and I are reminded of this when we think back to a visit to the World Trade Center only two days before it was destroyed.
I have been volunteering with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for approximately six months. I feel as if every few hours I can spare their expert trainers from other tasks affords them more quality training time with their canine partners. The chance that my minor efforts might someday contribute in some small way to a successful rescue is a rewarding feeling I receive no matter how seemingly insignificant the task I am assigned to complete. Having worked with canines in the military over forty years ago, it is also inspiring to be reminded of the incredible abilities of a highly trained canine.
During my time volunteering, I have been amazed at the dedication and sense of purpose exhibited by every staff person at the NDSDF. From the office staff to the expert trainers, there is a pervasive sense of dedication to making a positive contribution to the overall mission. It has truly been a rewarding privilege to volunteer with such an outstanding organization comprised of such dedicated individuals.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 7, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
My employer has an employee charitable contribution campaign each year. There are several animal charities to select for contributions. I want you to know that in the past two years, I changed the animal organization to which I donated twice because the last two organizations never acknowledged my donations. I contributed every month for a full year, and never heard even a basic "Thank You" from them.
This year, I changed my donation once again, and selected SDF, although I was unfamiliar with the organization. Shortly after the first donation, I received a most impressive letter co-authored by the SDF Executive Director, Debra Tosch, and one of their SDF Search Dog Candidates, Crockett! Crockett's paw print was in the signature line of the letter. After I wiped our 17-year-old daughter's, my wife's and my eyes, I committed to contributing to this organization from now on.
Just this simple acknowledgement meant so much and the personality of the organization's leadership won our hearts. I am very convinced of SDF's value to the Search & Rescue Community. However, I am also now convinced of the quality and personability of the organizations's staff.
I recommend everyone to look into contributing to this great organization!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 4, 2013
In working with the NDSDF Staff and Board of Directors, it is clearly evident that everyone involved in this organization, including the Search Dog Teams and Volunteers has a devotion to duty beyond any I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I am Blessed and Honored to say that I am Part of the Search.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
December 17, 2012
I have been making gifts to this organization for about 10 years. They are wonderful, dedicated people from top to bottom and they are excellent stewards of their donor contributions. I am delighted to see them earn the top 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 21, 2012
This is a amazing organization that helps when unexpected disaster strikes and the need is the greatest. Very few entities (including Search Dog Foundation) can legitimitely claim that they have resources that are ready to deploy and make an immediate positive impact. This organization is part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) that allows US federal government employees to donate to their choice of charity. I would strongly urge federal government to contribute to this organization to help achieve its mission objectives as the work they do makes this world a better place.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 23, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
The Sacramento SPCA has had the pleasure of working with the National Search Dog Foundation (SDF) for the past two years to successfully place a dozen dogs with their organization. SDF is a joy to work with; their staff is organized and quite helpful in our efforts to place difficult dogs.
We often receive dogs that are not easily placed. They are often very focused and driven canines who can be difficult to manage in a typical family home environment. We are confident placing any dog with SDF as we know that even if they do not successfully make it through all of the search dog training; they will be placed in a permanent, responsible and loving home.
The Sacramento SPCA is proud to partner with SDF and look forward to many more years of working together to help change the lives of both dogs and people.
-Lizz Westphal, Rescue Coordinator, Sacramento SPCA
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 17, 2012
SDF is the only organization in the United States that partners rescued dogs with firefighters and trains them at no cost to the government or tax-payers.
It's a win-win situation all the way. This organization receives no help what so ever from the Government.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 16, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I wanted to find a non-profit organization I could donate to after the tragedy of 9/11. National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Inc. was a perfect choice for me because I love the fact this organization is a double blessing in that first the dog is rescued, then people are rescued. SDF ensures lifetime care for every dog in their program. Once a rescued dog is accepted into SDF's program, that dog will never need to be rescued again. SDF's mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by recruiting rescued dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. This organization also offers the professionally trained canines an ongoing training program at no cost to fire departments.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Thanks to Mutual Aid Agreements between counties, cities and states, these precious, life-saving resources can be shared regionally and nationally. I've personally witnessed this organization send first responders to help out during the Haiti earthquake as well. They also served in numerous disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, mud slides, train derailments and building collapses and ones closer to home.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
There are currently 74 SDF-trained Search Teams located in CA, FL, NE, NY, OK, TX and UT. I hope the organization can continue to grow and prosper so they can help others and one day possibly be located in every state in this country.
October 9, 2012
I can not begin to express how the SDF has changed out lives. The people at the foundation are truly amazing. We adopted one of thier "retired" dogs and he changed our lives for ever. He is trully an amazing dog. The work that the SDF put into making sure he got adopted was just amazing. As we have gotten to know more about SDF we fall more in love with the dogs, team, and everything it represents.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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