National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Inc.

If this is a duplicate, I apologize. SDF is an amazing organization. Not only with the dogs that graduate to become search dogs but also placing the dogs who medically or the dogs that decide they may not be cut out to be a search dog.
Here is our story, my husband and I decided to get a dog when I retired so the dog we adopt wouldn't have to spend the day alone. I followed SDF and the dogs that were able for adoption. We found one but he went to another family. We were contacted to see if we would like for do a medical fostering for an adorable yellow lab. We said yes because I knew I could be with him 24/7. Needless to say, we fell in love with him and wanted to adopt him. SDF made sure we were a good fit because they only want to best for their dogs. Once Cooper (formerly Nate) completed his physical therapy and was released by his surgeon, we were able to adopt him. If you want to see Cooper's story, please click onto this link https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/happy-tails-cooper/. We were so blessed to be allowed to adopt Cooper by SDF. Please donate to them for all the wonderful work they do.

As a member of the SDF board of directors, I am constantly inspired by the vision and amazing work that support the organization’s national leadership in strengthening disaster response. Rescue dogs from across the country are skillfully transitioned into extraordinary rescuers at a world-class training facility, then paired for life with incredible first responders. No dog is ever returned to a shelter - those that don’t complete training are matched with new careers or homes where their unique capabilities can shine. SDF is about second chances and saving lives, and I am proud to be part of this exceptional effort. I highly encourage others to explore becoming Part of the Search.
– Member, SDF Board of Directors (and adopter of a remarkable former SDF dog)

I had the opportunity to visit the campus for NSDF during one of their open house events. I was blown away with their mission and their immense impact on communities around the country. Their facilities are top notch and their level of professionalism and detailed programming is unmatched. The passion and dedication of staff and volunteers was felt all around and you can tell how deeply they care for every dog who comes into their lives. I feel so proud to have such an amazing organization right here in my backyard.

I am a veterinarian and provide medical care for the NDSDF K9’s in Utah, both active and retired. The foundation provides excellent support for their K9’s for the lifespan of the dog—even if the dog is retired or never certified in search and rescue. The service they provide is a win-win-win for the dogs, the search teams, and the survivors who are found by the dogs.

I am fortunate to volunteer for this amazing organization! It is wonderful to be a part of making a significant difference in both human and dog lives born from the vision of a truly remarkable woman, Wilma Melville, founder. As a volunteer in the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing with her FEMA certified search dog Murphy, she learned that there were only 15 FEMA certified dogs in the US. As a result, her first goal in creating this foundation was to increase that number to 168, one for every person lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. Today, the foundation has trained more than 290 teams (made up of dog and handler) and counting. Her idea to train rescue dogs from shelters to be search dogs and commit to their lifetime care or a career change if needed, so that they never see shelter life again is what makes an already amazing organization even more exceptional.

Additionally, not only are the employees and volunteers wonderfully committed and kind, but they are also genuinely thankful to be here. SDF has a special touch in making sure donors and volunteers feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions.

I have been a volunteer with SDF for 6-7 years. The foundation is an amazing organization. They find high energy rescue dogs to train to find live bodies in a disaster. Once trained, they are FEMA certified and carefully paired with a handler from a fire department. The paired fireman and his/her search dog is then called upon when there is a fire, earthquake, flood, mudslide, hurricane, tornado--whatever the disaster--to search through rubble for a living body. That alone is exceptional, however, if a dog doesn't make it through the training process, SDF will find a forever home for the dog. What an incredible organization. Even though my contribution may be small, I am delighted to be associated with SDF.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) more than meets their mission of strengthening disaster response in America. Training rescue dogs and first responders to become highly skilled urban search and rescue teams. Searching for live humans in the remains of the worst disasters we've seen in the US and internationally. Dogs who aren't able to complete their training remain part of the SDF family. These dogs are trained in a career that they prefer or are adopted by families who are looking for a high energy dog. The dedication of the staff in the training of first responders, and the training, daily care and enrichment of the dogs is beyond amazing. As a volunteer and a donor, I am honored to have the opportunity to support this incredible organization!

I have been volunteering cleaning kennels and I have noticed that the dogs are very well taken care of. The dogs seem to be very happy , engaged and excited to work. The staff and trainers are lovely people who give everything to those dogs!
The campus is an amazing place for training and these dogs provide a vital service to humans once they are trained search dogs! The dogs are also promised to be taken care of for life!

Every time I receive an email (I love the pictures) I am reminded that the dogs and their handlers are special heroes. I have contributed for some time and will continue to do so.
To everyone at National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, thanks.

I have been donating to this organization for years, and am always moved by the amazing work they do! What impresses me the most is that they save rescue dogs, train them for incredibly demanding work, and give them a purpose and a mission that benefits society! Their staff are so kind and caring, and the handlers are truly inspirational. Thank you for your dedication!

Rescued to Rescuer!
Search Dog Foundation rescues dogs from shelters and through a specialized training program they can become search dogs. SDF then pairs these four legged heros with First Responders to be part of search and rescue operations across the nation when either man made or natural disasters strike.
Living in Oklahoma City during the Murrah Federal Building Bombing in 1995, I witnessed many amazing dogs and know how capable and valuable they are to saving lives. SDF's founder, Wilma Melville was one of those First Responders who deployed to OKC and realized the need to have more search dogs throughout the nation. She knew firsthand what a integral role these dogs serve in saving lives. She had a dream to train 168 search dogs, one for every victim of that bombing but thankfully she didn't stop there.
It's very fitting that these dogs are given a second chance at life, receive training so that they can help find the missing after disasters therefore giving them a second chance at life!
If for some reason one of the dogs isn't suitable for search work, SDF either finds another career for them or places them in a forever home through their Lifetime Care Program. All the dogs SDF rescues will be taken care of for the rest of their life and never returned to a shelter.
SDF also offers their wonderful training facility to First Responders from all over the country, enabling them and their four legged partners to keep up the skill sets needed in staying prepared to respond to emergencies.
SDF is a special organization with a special and important mission!

I had the incredible opportunity to adopt a dog from SDF. The staff was so welcoming, helpful and genuinely loved all of the dogs. My time training at SDF was amazing and my new avalanche dog is phenomenal. They are truly doing wonderful things for dogs in need and the search and rescue community.

While other organizations get their dogs from breeders, this non profit organization saves homeless dogs from shelters and rescues and then trains them to serve as search dogs. I volunteer at a humane society where one particularly rambunctious dog was selected by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. With his high energy and strong play drive, it would have been difficult to find the perfect home for him. But he was perfect for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. He successfully completed their rigorous selection process and training, graduated, and is now saving lives as a search dog. It was a perfect ending for a perfect dog. Thank you, National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for seeing the potential in rescue dogs!

I have been a volunteer with SDF for over ten years now. Though the organization has grown tremendously since I started, I still feel as valued and appreciated as ever. There are always smiles to greet you when you arrive on campus. Staff members genuinely enjoy working there. I enjoy my regular duties there but I really enjoy working the special events and welcoming guests to the beautiful grounds. They are always so excited to see what SDF does and learn as much as they can. I am a big proponent of dog rescue so I love sharing with people that the majority of the dogs being trained are rescued from shelters! They are given a second chance and if it doesn’t work out, SDF will either find them a different job more suitable for them or find them a forever home. They will never have to return to a shelter! They are great about follow-up for these dogs and continue to offer support throughout the dog’s life. Makes me very proud to be a small part of this incredible organization!

My name is Janet Chamberlain and I have been volunteering for National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for about 8-9 years. This organization recruits dogs from shelters in the US and gives them a second chance at life. The dogs are trained to find live humans in natural disasters and are depoyed all over the world when needed. The trainers that work directly with the dogs are all here for the right reasons: the dogs. Each dog is given so much love, attention and direction. When the dogs have successfully made it through the program, they are paired with firefighters all over the US. The firefighters come and stay at the Foundation in Santa Paula for about 2 weeks and are paired with one of the dogs ready for graduation. At the end of the 2 weeks Search Dog holds a graduation ceremony for the handlers and the dogs. It is a sight to see. The connection between the dog and the handler is amazing in just that short time. Its a beautiful ceremony and I always have to have kleenex with me! The dogs then go home with the handlers and to work with them everyday.
Everyone who works at or volunteers for this organization has been so kind and caring and always saying "thank you" to the volunteers. They take good care of us and we feel appreciated. This is a great organization to be a part of and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

I met Wilma Melville, the founder of National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, when she first had the vision to start this Foundation. I’m honored that I’ve been able to watch this Foundation grow to what it is today. I’m very proud to have been a volunteer for the past 10 years. To rescue dogs from shelters and train them to be search dogs is truly a wonderful thing to witness. The care these dogs are given is phenomenal and the facilities are top notch. If a dog does not make it into the program for some reason, that dog is trained to do something else or a home is found for him/her. I am the lucky recipient of one of these lifetime care dogs. The Foundation follows up on all dogs that become lifetime care dogs, and I know I can always turn to them for any problem I have with my dog. We should all be grateful that the Foundation is here and their trained dogs are available for all disasters.

I have the honor to be paired with an SDF search canine! It is amazing what this organization has done and continues to do! They go above and beyond to make great search canines and to train us handlers to be the best we can be! The endless support from them is what lets us be able to do what we do everyday! Thank you SDF, you are the best!

After the Thomas fire in Ventura County, I was lucky enough to attend a continuing education in burn treatment and animal welfare during a fire event for Veterianary professionals. It was hosted at the facility in Santa Paula right in my backyard. They had demonstrations done by a few of their teams showing how search dogs do their thing and recovery dogs do there's. Sounds the same but their jobs are very different. It was amazing to watch. One dog found their person in under 30 seconds on a pile of rubble that would have taking a person 10 times as long to find, let alone navigate as gracefully as that precious dog did. Then we heard first hand experience from a team that had been to help the town of Paradise, Ca after the fire tore through that town, among many other well known catastrophes the person had experience with including 9/11. And it hits you. The work that these people and these dogs do is incredibly valuable and important. Reuniting people with their loved ones that made it, or giving a semblance closure to those that don't. It's an honorable thing these folks and furry friends do with very little recognition. I was so touched by what I saw and heard. They've had teams all over the world in some of the biggest disasters known, and yet I had no idea it existed in my home town. So now I spread the word, try to donate when I can and share as much as I can so more people know and love this organization like I do. I was so proud to see local teams from CA helping in Maui and actually seeing them give interviews about what they do and the originization on major news networks. In this unpredictable life one day, heaven forbid, you may need one of them to find you or a loved one.

SDF does incredible work turning shelter/rescue dogs into heroes. We sponsored a recent canine graduate from the program and plan to continue to sponsor a dog every year. SDF’s dedication to the work and these dogs, as well as the team’s professionalism, are truly unmatched.

My son found out about SDF last summer and immediately began volunteering. He talked about it all the time so I wanted to know more about the program. I did some online research and soon I was talking about it a lot.


He invited me to attend a pairing ceremony to celebrate the graduating dogs and their firefighter handlers before they headed home to begin their career together. I was impressed by the campus. I was also impressed by how dedicated the staff and volunteers were. They were all happy to be part of the mission.


Dogs trained at SDF are trained to be deployed in search and rescue operations when disasters strike. The dogs find victims who are trapped and might not otherwise be found. The dogs make the search go more quickly, increasing the likelihood of finding victims while they are still alive.


I was able to watch a demonstration of the dogs in action on a rubble pile. The dogs not only save lives but they have fun doing it!

Amazing people, doing amazing actions!! I do not know what is more wonderful, that the foundation forms pairs trained to rescue people or the beautiful work of giving a rescued dog a new chance at life with an incredible mission in addition. I have had the opportunity to see them work thanks to the help of many people who make donations and thanks to the staff who collaborate in an extraordinary way.A format worthy to replicate anywhere in the world that deserves all our support!!

Everyone at Search Dog Foundation loves the dogs they train and the community they have created to ensure well-trained dogs are ready to send to the field when a disaster strikes. It's a project of love, devotion and preparedness. And the doggies come from rescue facilities and develop their best selves in the field when it's time to deploy. I have so much admiration for the people and dogs that join together to help society. Well done!

SDF is amazing! They value the dogs they train. We attended a pairing ceremony and loved the kind staff and volunteers. The firefighters are extremely appreciative of well-trained dogs, as well as continuing training, behavior, veterinary support by SDF. For the dogs that cannot become search dogs for behavioral or medical reasons, their Lifetime Care guarantee ensures those dogs will find good homes and quality medical care.
All their facilities are clean, beautiful, and well-maintained. The dogs get regular exercise, training (reward-based with toys, praise, and treats), and mental stimulation.
They appreciate their donors as well with updates and news through recorded pairing ceremonies, social media photos and videos, and beautiful newsletters.
I hope to volunteer with them one day!

I've been volunteering with SDF for a year now and I love it. I love the mission of SDF. The staff is so great to work with and they are all so genuinely appreciative of everything the volunteers do - even the small stuff. We all like to feel appreciated for stuff we do and that isn't the case everywhere.

Plus the campus is really cool. We recently had our first-ever open house. Everyone I talked to was very excited to see what we (mostly the dogs) do.

When I started volunteering I thought SDF was awesome but I wasn't sure if I really wanted to go even one day every week. I'm not sure if I thought I'd still be here a year later. Then I started doing two days a week and soon that will become three days.

I'm more excited about SDF now than ever.

This organization is top notch. What a wonderful mission they have which is to strengthen disaster response in America by producing highly skilled Canine-Firefighter Disaster Search Teams to search for victims of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. They are very smart about how they spend money and they treat their supporters very well. My family has been supporters for over 20 years and we will continue to be.

I've had the privilege of being a volunteer with this organization for several years now. They are totally dedicated to transforming rescued dogs into rescuers during disasters. This is a professional and very well run organization.

SDF is a well oiled machine of a non-profit. They take “throw away dogs” from shelters and turn them into elite search and rescue dogs and place them around North America for response to disasters. After training and placing these dogs, SDF continues to support the handlers throughout the life of the dogs with medical bills and equipment support.

The Moorpark Women's Fortnightly Club invited a retired schoolteacher Wilma Melville to speak to our club. Working out of her house in Ojai, CA., she brought along her beloved Black Labrador to tell us how she founded The NDSDF. Convinced that America needed more highly trained teams to respond to disasters, she partnered with a renowned dog trainer and together they created a new methodology for training search dogs. Wilma then became a FEMA-Certified Canine Search Specialist. Her very first deployment was to Oklahoma City in 1995! Saving the lives of dogs, freed from county shelters, proved that an animal with terrific toy drive & too much energy for most households, makes a great candidate for SDF training. She gave them a job to do! A local organization that was even affected by their own disaster, The Thomas Fire in 2018, here in Ventura County. They fled the campus and every dog slept in a hotel on the beach that night as fire raged all the way through to the ocean!

Search Dog Foundation is an incredible organization supported by dedicated people. The people genuinely care for the mission and it shows in daily interactions. I have had the unique opportunity to work with the team for the past 5 years and see first hand how they work with the dogs, handlers and public alike. They foster a supportive fun and loving and environment with the founders charter in mind of having a place for rescue dogs and first responders to come together. Great job, mission accomplished, Wilma!

It's been an honor working with the National Search Dog Foundation. They rescue dogs from shelters, giving them the chance to be working dogs and training them to become an integral part of saving lives all over the world. The team at the National Search Dog Foundation is so kind, dedicated to the cause, and they have been phenomenal to work with.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is absolutely extraordinary. I had the privilege of attending a search dog demonstration, and was so impressed, and grateful. The level of training, and attunement the handlers have with their dogs, is an animal -human bond that I have never witnessed. You can tell that these dogs love what they do, and are happy to show up to work every day. Thank you NDSDF for all you do.

It's such a tremendous honor volunteering for the Search Dog Foundation. The work they do to train these amazing dogs is truly incredible. From the handlers to the support staff, you can tell everyone is passionate about the work they do. Truly an amazing organization!

We became involved with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSF) shortly after 9-11. This is an incredible organization that rescues hyper-active dogs from shelters throughout the United States and through training focuses their energy on searching for the living in disasters. Upon graduating, the dogs are paired with first responders and together as a team, they obtain FEMA certification. Interesting fact is that the dogs pick who they want as their handlers!!! If for some reason, a dog is not the right fit, NDSF finds another career for them or through their Life Time Care program, finds a suitable home. Once a dog is rescued from the shelter, NDSF is committed to them for life and they will never be returned to a shelter

Through the years, we have watched NDSF grow. Through corporate sponsors, various foundations and donors such as ourselves, NDSF is on very strong financial footing and financial sustainability. Their staff including those paid and those who volunteer are dedicated, committed, caring and extremely knowledgeable. In other words, incredible. It is a very special place where everyone involved is made to feel special.

Wilma Melville the founder, who started NDSF after working the Oklahoma City bombing, should be extremely proud of the organization she built. Her original goal was to train and have FEMA certificated 168 dog/handler teams, one for each life lost in the Mura Building. This year, Wilma achieved her goal and has her sights set on the next goal.

We highly recommend NDSF as an incredible non-profit whose staff should be cloned to work at other non-profits.

Our dogs are rescues, as are the dogs of many of our friends. Knowing what it means to rescue a dog makes for understanding of one half of this organization's outstanding mission. But they have gone a giant step beyond, rescuing dogs to train them to rescue people. Years ago I decided to make a donation to them each time one of our dog friends dies. In that way we honor and perpetuate the good these dogs have done for our friends who loved them.

I became aware of the amazing work of the Search Dog Foundation several years ago during the Montecito, California mudslides. The dogs and their handlers worked tirelessly to find humans trapped in homes and in the rocks and debris. Since then I have visited the Foundation and met all of the fantastic staff and the Founder. I am so impressed by the Foundation's mission and the dedicated personnel who rescue dogs from shelters and train them to be side-by-side with humans during a disaster. It is truly heartwarming. I have since become a donor and have brought others to the Foundation to witness first hand the work of everyone there.

The commitment to all dogs at National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is amazing. Such professional care and attention is evident in the training of the dogs, right down to the eventual matching of dogs to handlers. It's priceless to watch the bonds form between human and canine. When some dogs don't end up fitting with the search programs, the staff do all they can to find another job for the working dog or a warm and caring home to go to for those who feels most comfortable just being a pet. It's a place of joy and compassion. You always leave SDF with a smile on your face.

We had the incredible fortune to work with National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, to adopt our beloved dog Shenzi. Not only has she brought tremendous joy to our family, but meeting the team at Search Dog Foundation has been an additional bonus. We have since returned for additional training, and the staff have gone above and beyond, spending time with us, and teaching our 9 year old additional techniques. We are forever fans!

Search Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization that excels with their mission, their donors and their volunteers. I am fortunate to be involved as a recent volunteer and a supporter for dozens of years. Supporting animals and especially dogs is a priority for me, so supporting Search Dog fulfills that mission and raises the bar by supporting human rescue efforts as well. Check out this group and all they do throughout the world.

My family has sponsored 28 (including three currently in training) search dog teams with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. From the people who work in the offices, to the folks that bathe and feed the dogs, to the outstanding trainers, and the wonderful volunteers, this organization deserves far more than five stars. I have never met a more dedicated, compassionate, "totally in love with the dogs" group of people than the staff here. This starts at the very top with Wilma . . . . she is the absolute best. She had a vision to train shelter dogs to become the rescuers. She has determination that is an inspiration to all that meet her. SDF has saved hundreds of dogs from being euthanized by giving them a life-saving job. They find a "career" change for the dogs that don't have the drive to be a search dog, no dog is left behind. It has been an absolute honor for my family to support the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Sunday, September 12th (2021): Saw a wonderful session on ths awesome organization on CBS Sunday Morning. Loving dogs and strongly believing in its mission, I immediately, decided to donate in Memory of: Judy Froh (maiden name) a classmate of mine from Fort Dodge Senior HIgh School, Ft. Dodge, IA - class of 1967. Judy was one of the 168 victims of the Oklahoma City bombing - if I recall correctly, she was an employee of HUD. Although Judy and I had not stayed in contact since our "high school years", memory of the fond times we spent at lunch were still present. RIP, Judy. Keep up the great work, K-9's and handlers!

I've been giving to this nonprofit for a few years, and I've been very impressed by them and the hard work they do to train these awesome dogs to do search and rescue work. It's a win/win - they adopt dogs from shelters who have the qualities they are looking for then they train them and, if by some chance the dog isn't able to do the work, the dog will always have a home with them regardless. Read about them and the amazing work that they train these dogs to do!

This a great organization full of people who are dedicated to their amazing and important mission. Even during COVID, with all of the restrictions, they were able to safely have dogs continue to be cared for on-site as they were trained. They even graduated dogs and sent them out to new task forces. They take great pride in finding homes for dogs who aren't able to complete the training - another outstanding part of their work turning the rescued into rescuers.

We heard of National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Inc., and were very interested. Before we donate to any organization, we critically and carefully investigate the organization. We researched National Disaster Search dog Foundation, Inc. throughly and found it to be even more positive then expected. From that time we have been loyal supporters, and have even been personally contacted by foundation personnel, including the founder. Each of these contacts have been extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We strongly encourage you to support this important endeavor!

Our family was very lucky to adopt a wonderful black lab named Gande who was not able to complete the course. He was still able to perform a very important task and that was making our family complete with his loving kind soul. It is amazing what this organization does for search and rescue during natural disasters and they play such an integral role to all communities. Everyone from the staff to the handlers have offered support in the form of zoom meetings to texting to aid us in becoming the best forever home we can. We can't say enough about the SDF but thank you to everyone and the role they have in training these wonderful animals to save lives and complete other lives.
Thank you,
The Cattanach Family

I've been volunteering with the SDF for several years now, and have only had positive experiences. I've had the opportunity to do several different kinds of work, from basic administration tasks to hiding from the search dogs in training exercises. Every time I've been at the foundation, I've felt like I was able to make a difference as part of the SDF family.

Perhaps I am not quite the person you had in mind when asking for a review of the nonprofit that I have founded....but because I am proud of the Search Dog Foundation (SDF), I'm going to write a review anyway.

First, I am pleased with the sincere dedication and teamwork attitude that SDF staff members bring to their work. Next, I am awed at the consistent thoughtful energy that the Executive Director brings to the campus each day. Lastly, the Board is a group of engaged individuals that come from dramatically varied backgrounds which brings a strength of understanding to this decision making body. All this did not happen by accident. SDF's donors are steadfast so they surely sense that their trust is honored. Yes, this is what SDF has built over the past 25 years for the purpose of strengthening disaster response in America.

This is an amazing organization that not only rescues dogs but gives them a purpose and a home. We became a lifetime care provider for one of their dogs that unfortunately wasn't right for search dog training, but was nevertheless a very well behaved and loving pooch. The NDSDF not only helped us find our Zeke, but stayed in touch to make sure that we were a good fit and that he was continuing to thrive. They clearly care about their dogs, their handlers and all of the people ultimately saved by their efforts.

I have watched this Foundation grow from its inception in 1996 to the present. I have now been a proud volunteer since 2014. Its mission is to strengthen disaster response by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters to find people buried alive in disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc. Once a dog is rescued from a shelter, it will never go back even if it doesn’t work out in the program. A lifetime care home will be found for each dog that doesn’t make the program. I have one of those lifetime care dogs. I witness the training and love given to each dog rescued and get to watch as each dog is paired with a handler. All these dogs become FEMA trained dogs and are ready in an instant if a disaster happens. These highly trained dogs are vital in searching as they can get into places where humans can’t, and they can alert when they find someone. The Search Dog Foundation follows up on each and every dog that comes to its campus. This Foundation was the vision of one lady, Wilma Melville, who saw the need for search dogs when she went with her own dog to the Oklahoma City bombing. What an accomplishment for her to see what she envisioned come to fruition. This is a very worthwhile and awesome Foundation.

I have been a supporter of this organization since close to it's inception. I remember being proud when I saw the banner about SDF running on the news after 9/11. I was in Washington D.C. on that tragic day and evacuated out of the city on foot with the smoke billowing out of the Pentagon. Upon my return, my kids and their friends made bone-shaped cookies and sold them in front of our house to raise money for SDF. I am now a proud volunteer, fixing meals for the dogs, cleaning and yes "picking up poop." With every disaster that hits I receive some solace in knowing "our dogs are there." I continue to be amazed at the work they do and the dedication of staff even during these difficult times.

An organization that searches out the talented misfits of the K9 world and trains them into top-tier search dogs--what's not to love? Where most people would give up on these lively doggos, SDF exhibits patience, professionalism, and kindness to give these four-legged heroes a new life. I have seen this organization grow over the past few years and they are always at the forefront in training, k9 care, and giving back--not just to the local community--but to our entire society as the dogs they train deploy in response to disasters worldwide!

I've been volunteering at National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for about 6 months. This organization is absolutely amazing! The people here are clearly passionate about what they do and it shows in all aspects. As a volunteer, I feel extremely appreciated and valued. The dogs are trained by professionals and are extremely well cared for. I feel blessed to be able to be a part of the SDF Family!

I was introduced to this company on Facebook and from what I have seen the work they do for both dogs and people just fills my heart with hope. If you love dogs, this company is just amazing. Dogs that have difficulty getting homes, but love to work and serve are rescued and loved. They also help humanity in some of the most desperate of situations. I just cannot think of a better nonprofit. Thank you for your work and inspirational stories. Maybe there is hope for us yet.

I 1st learned of this group when I decided to donate after the attack on the world trade towers in New York City. I knew people would be donating money to aid and assist people so I decided to donate to aid and assist all the search and rescue dogs who came from across the country can you york city solely for the purpose of helping.

I have seen this organization grow from a small group of dedicated individuals to O large foundation of extraordinary trainers dogs and handlers.

I am very proud to be a supporter of this foundation and hope many will join me in supporting and sponsoring.

This organization does amazing work, turning rescue dogs into rescuers. Who knows how many dogs, and people, they've saved?

Myself and my live-find search and rescue canine are currently here in California, all the way from Mobile, Alabama, to attend a continuing education seminar being held at the training facility! The set-up here is AMAZING; the rubble piles, the housing facades and equipment used for training (and the staff) are all top notch. The training we received here has been invaluable to helping myself and my dog become a better team!!

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a great nonprofit organization. The work they do trading Search Dogs and their human partners is second to none! In addition whenever I have called with questions on giving programs I have received thorough and personal information. Thinking of all the disasters worldwide that the Search Teams help, they are very deserving of support and donations.

I was lucky enough to receive a private tour and learn about this amazing organization. Staffed with absolute professionals.

I have been a donor as well as a volunteer for SDF for about five years now. They rely heavily on volunteers for a wide variety of tasks. This allows them to have a relatively small staff so the money donated actually goes to the cause - training dogs and humans to search for and save victims of disasters. The dogs themselves are rescued from shelters. They guarantee that dogs rescued will never go back to a shelter. They make a promise to find them a different job or a loving family if they don't make it through training. A great group of passionate people running this organization.

I have been associated with the Search Dog Foundation for 8 years working as a volunteer. The organization and its employees are top-notch. I have personally witnessed the dedicated service of and remarkable partnership between the handlers and dogs. I am glad such a stellar organization exists. Should I or a loved one have the misfortune of being a disaster victim, I have total confidence in the Search Dog Foundation.

The Search Dog Foundation does amazing work, transforming rescued dogs into rescuers who deploy across the nation. As global warming persists and more destruction occurs, it is fantastic to know there is an organization set out to find people alive in the wake of disasters. An all around strong mission and organization that I'm happy to support and encourage anyone to support as well.

This organization goes above and beyond to provide assistance to those in disaster situations. I am very familiar with them and could not be more proud to call them the best.
The staff/the handlers and we cannot forget the heroe dogs work so hard to train and provide unbelievable rescue services to those in need. They are 5 Star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beautiful, top of the line facility. The dogs are happy, well trained and well loved. I love that they use rescued dogs to become search and rescue team members.

Amazing, life saving work by an amazing group of people and rescue canines. So proud to have this organization in our county.

It's an honor to be a supporter of the National Search Dog Foundation. They rescue dogs from shelters, giving them a second chance in life. Then with the specialized training these dogs receive, they become an integral part of saving lives worldwide, in all types of disasters.

I've know about the Search Dog Foundation since it's inception in 1996 and have followed it since then. I have now been volunteering for a few years so I see first-hand what they do. The dogs they rescue are then turned into rescuers! They are trained by the highly professional staff at SDF and then matched with a first responder (fireman/fire woman). The dog lives with its handler 24/7 and are always ready to be deployed to any disaster. These dogs just love to work. It's nice to know that if a disaster happens, these highly trained dogs and their handlers will be there for you!

I love SDF! Working with all of their Volunteers is so rewarding!

I was raising a potential Guide Dog for the Blind who was completely bored with Guide Dog training. Then the organization I was volunteering with dissolved unexpectedly and I was able to keep the dog. I knew that from the time he started getting bored with training that this was a dog who needed a job in order to be happy: preferably a very active and challenging job.

A person I met who did wilderness search and rescue suggested that I look into NDSDF. I did, and was amazed by the work that they did.

A short time later, Pluis Davern tested him and he started search Dog training. He became one of the wonderful Search Dog Foundation dogs: Icon.

Though his life was brief, he was so happy!

While I don't have much money to give, the Search Dog Foundation is my charity of choice. When I am able, I give what I can.

The work that they do is beyond amazing and what a contribution they make to our first responders and to the citizens of our nation. I cannot think of a cause or group that is more deserving of everyone's support.

I became a donor after I saw a demonstration of a search dog in action at a court reporting convention in DC. What an amazing charity that saves lives on both ends of the spectrum!! I follow all of their stories on social media and proudly donate to this very worthy cause.

The National Search Dog Foundation's motto "from rescued to rescuer" tells it all. I am so grateful dogs that would most likely be euthanized or live in shelters for their entire lives are given meaningful jobs as search and rescue dogs. That's a win-win! In addition, any dogs that are rescued but don't make the cut are given forever homes with loving families. I am so impressed with this mission I've added a bequest to the foundation in my estate plan.

I have been supporting this organization since September 2001.
Not only do they do great work helping people in all kinds of countries with disasters, but most of my donation goes to the work. Not into salaries. The most impressive thing, no matter how much l donate, everyone gets a personal phone call of thanks from a volunteer. My only regret, is l wish l lived closer so l could be a volunteer. I thank God for Wilma, the great lady behind NDSDF and for all the dogs and handlers helping those in need.

My husband & I have been donors to Nat'l Disaster Search Dog Foundation for many years. We love their mission; they provide a win-win in so many ways! First, they rescue dogs from shelters that may not be suitable for most people - high strung, active pups. Nothing wrong with these "wonder dogs" but just tough to place. The Search Dog Foundation takes these dogs and trains them to look for live people in disaster/critical situations. It's a rigorous program. Not all the pups graduate, but that's OK. They are placed in other training programs...the dogs are never returned to the shelter:)

After graduation, the dogs get placed with fire personnel - a team is then born! They are partners in all situations. Wherever there is a need worldwide, these teams are ready and able to help!

We have developed great friendships with the staff and with many of the teams. We currently are guardians of 4 teams and are so proud of all of them!

In conclusion, we LOVE this organization and its mission! IT's the BEST

Mary & Jeff Kroll
Fort Washington, PA

I learned about this group a few years ago when they became a client. I was so inspired by their mission and the fact that they turn rescues into life savers! The service these animals and their handlers provide throughout the world is priceless. I've followed the stories of their service and rescues. I can't wait to see their new facility and hope that they will continue to grow and train and save more rescues.

I first learned of the Foundation at a court reporting convention in Las Vegas and have since genuinely enjoyed seeing their stellar work. I have 100% confidence that my donations go to a great organization.

I have been on the outside looking in for about 10 years now, watching it grow, get better and amaze me. This organization knows what it is doing and wants to do, to help the world when a National Disaster strikes. Not only do they rescue shelter dogs that no one wanted and turn them into life saving rescuers. If they are not right for the program, they find those dogs homes, never to be returned to a shelter.
The more teams trained, the more lives saved.

The Search Dog Foundation is one of the greatest organizations out there. They do such a necessary task in teaching these dogs the skills to help find people in an emergency. I love that the facility is so well equipped to help these dogs prepare for any type of situation. Thank you Irma you do an amazing thing and I hope you keep it up for a long time

The Search Dog Foundation is probably one of the best organization in the Country. First, all of their dogs are rescued from shelter, not bought from breeders. They then are trained and paired with a handler at great cost. Together a team will then be on-call to go anywhere in the world to help search for victims of all types of disasters.

This is s wonderful organization that needs our support.What would we do without then during times of crIsis. Thank you for all you do!

National Disaster Search Dog foundation has inspired and expanded the future and the stigma of "pound" and rescue dogs, who will in return dedicate their lives to rescuing ours. Not only a win/win situation... but a save/save.

I am a azide at how they train their team members! I'm from Canada but I follow on FB...inspiring people and canines all on these teams !

This is an amazing organization! Having spent decades rescuing dogs then finding home and/or jobs for them, I know that there are so many dogs in shelters that could become working dogs yet few look to shelters. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has found a way to not only save dogs from shelters and pounds but then to match them with the perfect handler, train then, and then use them to help people far and wide.

My husband was blessed with being paired with Jake last year and I am so proud to be a small part of this amazing program. Their dedication and professionalism to the search is amazing!

This organization has performed so many difficult disaster recovery operations in horrendous environments it is amazing! What extraordinary help and loving support these dedicated volunteers and animals bring to first responders. I donate to this organization and feel priveledged to have met some of the dogs and their handlers in Ojai.

What a win-win situation! So many dogs, that nobody wanted, have been saved, and in turn,
are being trained to save others (including people!) in the event of a disaster.
This group, and the tremendous work that they do, makes me think of Bretagne, the
rescue dog from Texas Task Force 1....the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices, made by all dogs and their owners/handlers.
God Bless the NDSDF!!

Great plans built around a unique vision and implemented successfully by a group of very hard working individuals is the essence of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation in my humble opinion and why I have been a donor to this fine organization for many years now. Here is what my donation achieves......it helps shelter dogs (a very high percentage of dogs that are accepted into NDSDF are found in shelters by the NDSDF team) destined to a life of confinement or worse out of the shelter and on to a rewarding, exciting, enjoyable forever life; it supports our dedicated rescue men and women from police and fire departments by providing them with these outstanding, well trained dogs; and it helps to save lives after disasters occur throughout the world. If you want your donation to 1) save shelter dogs and provide them with love, training and a rewarding life, 2) support our police and fire rescue teams of dedicated men and women and 3) SAVE LIVES......then I urge you to donate to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation!!

As the Program Manager for Texas Task Force 2 - Urban Search and Rescue, I am very pleased to share the incredible work that the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation does. One of the more difficult positions to fill on a US&R Task Force is that of the canine search specialist. It is difficult to find people that have the skills to train their own dogs to find live victims in collapsed structures. The testing for this skill set is extremely difficult because so much relies on the canine to do their job right every single time. While finding people willing to be handlers is difficult, it is even more difficult to train the ones that are willing. The NDSDF exists to provide trained canines with the unimpeachable skill set to find live victims in collapsed structures. There is so much work that goes into this training. These dogs are extremely valuable to the Task Forces that are fortunate enough to have them, but these dogs are even more valuable to the victims whose lives depend on that dog finding them. The work of the NDSDF does not stop there. They train the handlers that will be working with their dogs. They continue to provide on going training for the service life of that dog. It is my experience that the dogs provided by the NDSDF are the finest in the US&R system. I could not be more pleased or more fortunate that Texas Task Force 2 is the recipient of a number of dogs supplied by the NDSDF. Everyone I have worked with in the organization are professionals in every sense of the word. The NDSDF is the finest example of what a non-profit organization should be.

Steve Coffman, Program Manager
Texas Task Force 2

Since 2009, I have been fortunate to be the Lifetime Care provider for a NDSDF dog that did not complete the training program. Bodie Dog doesn't have the sustained drive to be a search dog, but he is a wonderful companion and has become my dear friend. NDSDF checks in with me regularly to see how Bodie is doing and they provided incredible support when he was injured this year. Adopting a Lifetime Care dog was a way for me to support this great organization and the vital service they provide when disasters happen. It is exciting when I get an update about the deployed dogs working around the world, searching for people in such tough situations. And I am selfishly glad Bodie failed out of the program because he is the best dog and such a wonderful part of my family!

Top Notch organization! Very proud and honored to be part of the NDSDF. They rescue dogs from shelters and train them to find live victims of disasters. They have a small staff, but everyone is always willing to help or answer any question you may have. The training center is second to none and growing! The handler / canine teams would not be successful without everyone in this great organization, the staff, volunteers, sponsors and donors.

Derek Chaky & Scout

TXTF-2

NDSDF takes dogs that nobody wants and turns them into the best trained search dogs in the country, if not the world. Not only is this the humane thing to do, but from a business model its amazing! Other kennels pay thousands of dollars for a puppy and won't know for up to a year if it has what it takes to do this job, while the Search Dog Foundation finds the dogs with this attributes and RESCUES them for pennies on the dollar. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED SDF!!!

Six years ago the Search Dog Foundation gave my family a wonderful gift. They entrusted us with the care of a dog that had "washed out" of basic training at SDF.
SDF rescued an athletic and energetic 6 month old that had been picked up on the street and left at a county shelter. While promising at the start, during training it became clear he doesn't show all of the particular traits needed in a disaster search dog. Despite that, SDF remains committed to his care to this day. They required careful screening before placing him with us, and keep in communication, even after six years, to ensure his well-being.
While he may not have the makings of a disaster search dog, he shines as a companion. We could not be more grateful. Thank you, SDF!

We are fortunate and privileged to have been a part of this magnificent organization since inception. We have watched with enthusiasm and great pleasure as the Foundation and Training Center grew from a canyon of brush, weeds and wasteland to the beautiful and functional ground it is now, a university for training search dogs. We have witnessed the training of rescued, high energy, unmanageable dogs become rescuers. With the proper training, facilities and tools provided by the National Search Dog Foundation these animals become life savers. Everyone associated with this great organization is a hero and a humanitarian. We proudly support this organization.

As a past Executive Director of a smaller nonprofit agency, I realize what passion; sweat equity and how much we rely on the assistance of many volunteers, donors and sponsors to make a nonprofit agency successful! The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF) has done everything to make this organization far exceed all expectations. The experienced staff, highly skilled trainers as well as the many outside resources, volunteers, donors and sponsors are what make this organization run like a well-oiled machine. The training facility is state of the art with new additions coming in the future. What the NDSDF does is incomparable to any other.

At the end of the day, canines that could possibly be realizing their last days on this earth are rescued from shelters and are trained to save lives. From,“Rescued to Rescuer”. Although the program is not right for every canine because they do not have all of the characteristics needed for this tough job, every canine in the program is guaranteed a Lifetime Care Commitment whether they make it through the program, or not. They are either placed with another agency such as for detection work or several others, or placed with a loving family that will be their forever home.

My passion and respect for this foundations’ mission and how their work affects so many other lives is indescribable. I can now proudly say that I am the recipient of one of the foundations highly trained search and rescue canines and we are now a SUSAR Type I certified team with a tornado deployment under our belt. Trainings are always amazing to watch these canines work, but working with Skye on a deployment, he took it to an even higher level. He realized that this was no longer a training, but the “real deal” and went straight to work. He was fascinating to watch! There are no words to express the level of gratitude and appreciation that I have for the foundation, trainers, staff, donors, sponsors and the many volunteers who have allowed me to realize my dream.

Andi Sutliffe and Skye
Dallas, TX

This is the best nonprofit that I have ever been associated with. Every person and canine that works, volunteers or is associated with this foundations not only gives 100% but becomes extremely passionate with the work and it shows in the product that is produced. Their customer service is incredible and when you work with the team you truly feel like family. I can't say enough incredible things about everyone and the integrity of this foundation.

I am so honored to be a part of one of the best nonprofits organizations in America! To take a canine, oftentimes rescues from shelters/pounds, and give them a job they are so innately good at is simply remarkable. As a member of one of FEMA's 28 Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces, I can say that our job of finding and rescuing missing people in a disaster would be much more difficult without the use of these highly trained canines. The use of cameras and audio devices is not as efficient and reliable as the nose of these canines. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is committed to training the best canines in the country. This is evident with their state of the art training facilities, exceptional trainers, support staff, and volunteers.

SDF is a great company doing great things! They are a wonderful nonprofit and I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow.

The new training facility is a masterful work in progress. From the rubble pile to the agility training to the houses and hotel, each and every project reflects the real life situations that the handlers and their partners may encounter. While touring the facility I was very impressed with detail that is ongoing to work with the existing landscape and terrain as well as implementing a sustainable water system. I can't wait to see the finished buildings for dog and handler facilities. The memorial wall and surrounding area is also very moving; a testament to the time, effort and dedication of all the handlers and partners who have given so much of themselves.

We have had a long standing relationship with NDSDF and have supported them through fund raisers and events we held on their behalf. They have always been supportive of our efforts, sending materials and for some events, a search team visited our events. These are great people!

NDSDF is transparent, dedicated, smart, and trustworthy. I have been a donor for 13 years. I always know where the money is being utilized. Their products that can be purchased are of the highest quality. They keep me informed without being annoying AND they have called me to thank me personally. National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is my preferred non-profit.

Animals helping animals! How magnificent! Rescued Dogs given a second life, a job, rescuing lost, stranded, and buried people! What more can you ask for? The best organization I've ever donated to.

We have donated to the Search Dog Foundation several times as a memorial to the pets of family & friends who have passed. We've been so impressed with how quickly SDF has notified the owners of the pets we have memorialized. We also appreciate the letter we receive from SDF recognizing our donation. It is so much more than a receipt. It is friendly, informative & well designed. The Estate & Development Manager has even written a personal note on the letter we receive. SDF also has volunteers do a follow up phone call to donors thanking them for their support. SDF always makes us feel that our donation is appreciated & that we're helping to do something good by making the donation. We feel this is an outstanding organization & we will continue to support it whenever we can.

Warmly,
LERYL & VICKI BROWN
Troy, ID

Our company has had the great honor to work with this wonderful organization in recognizing donors, trainers and the precious dogs who are trained to benefit our humanity in disaster search and rescue. This organization utilizes its resources with great integrity. We have seen it grow to a world-class facility thanks to the leaders, trainers, and volunteers involved and the generosity of the many compassionate donors.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation responds quickly to disasters throughout the country and around the globe, sending highly trained dogs and their handlers to search for survivors. I'm very impressed with this organization and the commitment of all those involved in this important work.

We have been evolved with the SDF early on. Our donated dollars are very well spent. Much thought has gone into the organation. How much better can it get from rescuing dogs and giving them a job to rescue people caught in a disaster?
Our heart felt appreciation goes out to all the team at SDF..dogs included!
God bless, the Courson family

I discovered SDF through another website and was so impressed with their mission I immediately knew I had to donate towards their "cause". The idea of helping in searches while saving dogs at the same time stole my heart as I am huge into rescuing. As I have mentioned to them, I also donate to the ASPCA and HSUS and nothing annoys me more to then receive things I don't want, i.e. address labels, calendars, shoelaces, mittens, etc. It makes me wonder how much of what I gave goes to the organization. When I received a phone call from Debra after my first donation thanking me, I was more than surprised. I knew then that this was an organization I would continue to donate to. And, then receiving just a thank you note and a bookmark was perfectly fine with me although I do also enjoy the update emails. I will continue with my donations thanks to their good deeds!

I am continually amazed at the gratitude that National Disaster Search Dog Foundation responds with every time I am able to make a donation - no matter what size of a donation that is! Their personal response tells me that they truly deserve my support.

I first found the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation after the 9/11 tragedy and was (and still am) touched and impressed by what the search teams do for many across our country and abroad. I promise that I will continue to support their wonderful work and will keep spreading the word about Search Dog Foundation.

Bless you!
Melissa McGarry - Minnesota

I just can't say enough expressing how amazing SDF is! I first heard about SDF after 911 and have followed their work since. I was so excited that their office is in Ojai was able to visit a few times. Working with SDF became my "dream job" and goal . I started out going to all their special events and got to know Wilma, she is a incredible lady and knows how to make her dreams come true. My life changed forever when I found out that The National Training Center was going to be built not only here in Santa Paula but right across the road from where I live !! I was so excited and it has been so incredible watching NTC being built. 2 years ago our family adopted Calvin a black lab who just wasn't thrilled about a rubble pile and looking for a lifetime care home. SDF has always kept in touch and even sent out trainer Lyz Gregory to work with me and Calvin. I needed a lot more training than Calvin did! Well that did it, after seeing Lyz work with Calvin I was so impressed that I was determined to volunteer as often as I could. Lyz invited me to NTC , everyone was so friendly and really cared about the dogs . I saw my "dream job" !
For the last year I have volunteered once or twice a week to help out where I can. I have learned so much just being around Sonja and Lyz. They are the best! I have also taken many ,many photos of the dogs and I am so pleased to see some of the photos in SDF publications and Facebook . Everyone , trainers, office staff and fellow volunteers always make me feel like family and appreciated. They are the most professional and caring people I know. Thanks SDF for helping me live my dream !

About eighteen months ago two of our three dogs, died a week apart. We were very sad and our third dog, George, became severely depressed. He would not eat or go for a walk or play with any dogs at the dog park. Soon we realized we had to find him a new friend. We told George that he could have any dog he wanted ; it was his choice.. We went around to several shelters and introduced him to a few dogs. Sometimes he growled at them. Other times he actually turned his back.
Then he met Topa who had begun training with the Search Dog Foundation, but was unable to complete her training. It was love at first sight and, today a year and a half later, they are still inseparable!
The search foundation has continued to be involved with Topa, sending food coupons and regularly keeping in touch. In the beginning when our high energy girl was difficult on walks, they even sent a trainer to help us. We still keep a close eye on her around strangers, but we live on both coasts and Topa is doing just fine living in two places and staying in different motels every night when on the road.
She seems happiest on our farm in CT, where she runs across the fields at full speed. We still keep a close eye on her around strangers, but this beautiful, playful dog enriches our lives every day and has many canine and human friends.

I was first told about SDF through my College. They said the Search Dog Foundation occasionally needed volunteer photographers and since I just graduated and love dogs I decided to try it out. Honestly I had no idea who they were and what they were about until I went to my first volunteer event. It was great fun but also very structured and informative. The staff was all very friendly and seeing the dogs in action was amazing. I have now photographed several events for them. They also asked me to join their team in Ojai and now I'm officially part of the SDF staff. I've gotten to know all of them and they are all very nice and hard workers. I have also been to pairings, when the dogs get paired with their new handlers, and that is one of the best things to see. I've interacted with several candidate dogs and they are all high energy, very barky but also very friendly and some of the sweetest dogs out there. I've also met the trainers who are very amazing. And I have met some of the people behind the scenes and of course Wilma the founder, who is something else. Very funny, lively and sweet. She also knows what she wants and how to get it. The Search Dog Foundation is truly an amazing organization.

I was first introduced to the Search Dog Foundation several years ago and have had the distinct privilege of meeting Wilma,many of the staff,trainers,handlers and dogs on several different occasions. I could not be any more impressed with the dedication and hard work of all those involved. From the early days of recruitment to the ultimate pairing of dogs with their human partners,there is an enormous amount of work that is done by a rather small work force. i have never seen an organization with the drive and desire to accomplish what these amazing men and women have done and continue to do on a daily basis. I am very proud to be "part of the search"!

I worked off and on volunteering with SDF, taking a break when I had school. Every time I came in they were ready for me with clear instructions and materials organised, and waiting for my help. I always felt appreciated and a part of the team even though my tasks were so minimal. On several occasions I had to cancel or was late for my volunteer time and I was never met with any disappointment, only understanding and appreciation for whatever time I could give. Everyone in the office is friendly and welcoming. I learned a lot about the role of the SDF and was surprised at the amount of personal care that is given to each individual involved in the program.

It has been my pleasure to partner with SDF for the last 2 years. Our two organizations partner together to identify dogs that will either make great search dogs or when a career change is called for become great service dogs.
It has been an honor to work with SDF, even though our missions are different we both have the same purpose, SDF by finding those lost in a disaster and Operation Freedom Paws , by helping those lost to trauma return to everyday life.
So that others may live.

My company Smart Technology Enablers, Inc., has supported the organization's computers and networks for almost 10 years. Through that time we have watched the organization grow and mature. We enjoy working with them because they have a well-defined decision making process and always consider the business impact of the technology decisions.

Staff members have amazing commitment to the mission of the organization. We have personally witnessed how that commitment is infectious for both volunteers and donors. They are uniformly upbeat with an admirable "can-do" attitude.

The depth of the program side of the organization is impressive as they shepherd their search dogs through the recruitment process, training, certification and finally pairing with a first responder.

They are really one of the hardest working organization we know.

Having recently heard National Search Dog founder Wilma Melville's story about creating the Foundation, I want to say I am so impressed by this woman! She spoke of her organization's role in the Oklahoma bombings as well as 911 and the Haiti earthquake. At the time of Oklahoma, there were many fewer organizations like hers and since then she has worked tirelessly to grow the organization into the leader it is today. Maybe what impressed me most was Wilma's dedication, even through the horrors and tragedy that are part and parcel of the job. Obviously the NSDF has no interest in the whys behind such disasters. It's all about people---and dogs!----helping people. Seems to me there are few such non-profits whose contribution to the general public are as vital and clear cut as is NSDF.

I first became acquainted with the NDSDF about 2 years ago, when my family was looking to adopt a dog. Through petfinder.com, we discovered Buster, a black lab who had been adopted from a shelter by NDSDF 5 months earlier. Unfortunately, due to issues with his size (BIG!) and knee problems, he was put into their Lifetime Care program, where he is carefully placed in with a family for the remainder of his life. We adopted Buster in August 2012 and the NDSDF have been an incredible part of al our lives since then! They were great at making sure Buster was adjusting to "civilian" life, helping with his double-knee surgery, and offering tremendous support all the way around.. It has been wonderful for us to learn about the mission of this amazing organization, and we love telling Buster - and NDSDF's story!!

When I was paired with Roxy 1 year ago, I never in a million years thought I'd be as happy as I am to get to work with her every day. Roxy was a stray in the Sacramento area, when someone found her and took her in, only to find that she had too much energy to be a normal pet. She was surrendered to a shelter, and as she was in line to be "put down", one of the great recruiters at the NDSDF found her to be a great fit as a search dog. She was taken to Gilroy, trained, and I was lucky enough to be paired with her. 10 months later, and with countless hours of training with the NDSDF staff and with other handlers in the Los Angeles area, we passed our certification test, so we can be ready to respond to any disaster.
The NDSDF is an incredible organization, that takes rescues formally discarded canines and trains them rescue men, women and children during these incredible disasters we only see on TV. Without the staff and volunteers at the NDSDF, Roxy would be wondering the streets of Sacramento, holed up in someones back yard, or worse yet, be put to sleep like the many other unclaimed pets in the country.

I first became acquainted with NSDF at an event in CA, where I got to meet a couple of handlers and dogs. I was so impressed by the organization that I followed it for years, subscribed to the newsletter, and watched it grow from afar, into a the wonderful, thriving organization it is today. Recently, I've become more engaged, by writing and volunteering and helping where I can, and can't express enough how exciting and fulfilling it is to be part of such a wonderful group of people doing such amazing things. When speaking with founder, Wilma Melville, her passion for NSDF is just so palpable. Her energy and the vision she has for the continued growth of the organization so that it can broaden its reach ever further, helping out more and more people at every possible opportunity, is infectious. I am continually proud and grateful to be a part in even a small way, of NSDF.

I have had the honor and privilege of being a "part of the search" since its inception. It was amazing to hear Founder Wilma Melville describe the idea...her vision of what was to become the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.
I have contributed to the foundation in anyway possible. Volunteering, donating, transporting potential search dogs, answering phones... often right along side Wilma, or at least trying to keep up with her.
She is a humble hero and a visionary. Her commitment and perseverance to "rescuing dogs and turning them into rescuers" been an incredible journey. A journey that I am proud to continue to be a part of, as the searches continue and the Training Center becomes a reality

In 2006 I met Wilma (the founder of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation) and I soon learned all about this wonderful organization. Being a dog lover and having just recently lost a dog Wilma mentioned the Lifetime Care Program. The next thing I knew we had adopted a dog trough the Lifetime Care program. Two years later we adopted another. I can't say enough good things about the whole experience and if we had room we would have more Lifetime Care Dogs.

As a result of getting to know Wilma and adopting two dogs from the organization I have volunteered at some of the events at the National Training Center and found things to be well organized and felt very welcome.

I am proud to be a volunteer at SDF. This organization is dedicated to the end results- a successful search. All the staff a SDF are the best professionals in the field who make this non-profit work smoothly and efficeintly.

What can I do but echo all of the wonderful things that have already been said here? Like many others, I discovered SDF right after the Twin Towers attack while searching for an organization in need of support. For my late husband and I, both animal lovers, the dogs were the only bright spot in the incredibly disturbing footage of the disaster. Reports of bogus non-profits were already circulating, but SDF stood out like a shining star. I have since become a huge fan and, while my budget does not allow equally huge donations, I am still treated like donor royalty. I have worked in non-profits and know that staff is usually small with volunteers picking up a big part of the work load. It is always amazing and gratifying to receive such immediate, heartfelt and personal acknowledgement of my semi-annual donations and frequent feedback. I am privileged to have communicated via email with The Terrific Trio.....Wilma, Debra and Rhett......on a regular basis and consider them dear friends. What Wilma has accomplished continues to boggle the mind, and I'm sure she still hasn't peaked. SDF and its people are a class act. The organization should be used as the template for re-organizing existing non-profits and starting up new ones.
Juanita in NJ

I have been volunteering for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF) for several years and have also donated on several occasions. This is an incredible organization! The staff members are dedicated professionals who are committed to disaster response and who are passionate about what they do. Wilma Melville, the founder, is very down-to-earth and visits the office and National Training Center (NTC) site on a regular basis. What she has accomplished in a relatively short period of time is truly mind boggling.........from NDSDF's inception in 1996 to breaking ground at the NTC in 2010. Debra Tosch, the director, is tireless in her pursuit of NDSDF's goals and is an enthusiastic and effective leader. The organization is small but impactful. I love the fact that NDSDF rescues dogs and then provides them with a purpose in life. Watching the search dogs in action is an amazing experience. Their energy is boundless. I could not have picked a better organization with which to volunteer. NDSDF is top-notch!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I have been a volunteer with the National Search Dog Foundation on and off for nearly 15 years. The Founder, Wilma Melville is truly an amazing person to have put together this incredibly worthy organization. The staff is small but are truly dedicated and give 110% willingly. For the funds to have been raised to make their ultimate goal of a national training center to come about is almost unbelievable. To be able to create a facility that will provide training for both the handlers (who are mostly firefighters) and the dogs at the same facility is absolutely ideal. I look forward to volunteering at the new training center and continuing to be a part of this amazing organization.

If I had more to give, or could personally give my time and effort to this group, I would. Without question, humble, smart, dedicated and extremely gracious for any and all support. SDF does not inundate you with immediate requests, instead, they thank you appropriately and communicate when the time is right and needed. It makes you feel like you are actually working with them and the dogs, and not just a check book for the day to day. I save my thank you letters with paw prints and actual hand notes and signatures. I only wish to never have to be face to face with one of the life saving teams they build, and in the event I'd be in a rescue needing that dedication, four paws, a wet nose, with one goal to work and save, would be awesome.

The NSDF is an exceptional organization. Its commitment to rescuing dogs, partnered with first responders and trained to save lives is truly inspiring. In 2012, my husband and I became sponsors of two Search Teams in Texas. Our contribution has been so warmly and graciously acknowledged by both the corporate office and the Search Team handlers. We will continue to support the fine efforts of the NSDF and look forward to tracking the development of our Sponsoree Dogs.

National Search Dog Foundation is a model nonprofit that really understands how to communicate and engage their customers. My family adopted a dog from their Lifetime Care program and have also been donors. They consistently and effectively keep in touch with us, they care about the dogs that have been connected to the foundation and they run an extremely effective nonprofit. I would highly recommend NSDF -- as a donor, a customer, and a community member. NSDF is truly top-notch.

I am so excited about the NTC coming to life. Being a handler in Ventura California and California in general is an exciting time because of what the NTC is going to offer us as handlers. Knowing that my canine partner Ben will be given an opportunity to train in the most state of the art complex and ensuring he has the best ability to locate someone that is missing in a disaster not only brings excitement but also a somber effect with the realization that the search dog foundation is trying to emulate the real thing. Nowhere else can we get this and this will allow Ben to find the people if they are there.

I primarily volunteer as a photographer for SDF. I have worked with them for more than five years. When I first started, they and their mission were still relatively unknown. It has been my privelege to see them grow to national attention when Search Dogs they have rescued and trained, with their handlers, have shown their true worth when deployed to local as well as international disasters, such as the Haiti earthquake and Japan quake and tsunami. I know many of the dogs and handlers personally, and most of the staff as well, having worked with them at many of the events. I have never know such a dedicated, hardworking group of individuals. It is so gratifying to see them get the recognition they have earned. This organization deserves everyone's thanks and gratitude. You or I could be the next one they save.

I have admired the work the NDSDF does since I first heard of them after 9/11. I wanted to be involved with this organization, so gave them my resume in the hopes of joining the team. I am a volunteer right now, and have come to appreciate the fact that the BIG THINGS that they do, are as a result of remaining small, stable and strong. They stay connected not only to the dogs, the handlers, trainers and the life time care animals, but also to the donors. They are totally appreciative of all donations, no matter the size and really show it. This is a hardworking, dedicated team who all have the same goal. Recruiting dogs from shelters and giving them jobs saving human life is an amazing undertaking, and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is doing it.

I have been a volunteer with The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for several years. I do my volunteering over the internet (proofreading & editing), so I don't get to see the other volunteers or the staff or the Search Dog-Handler Teams very often. But when I do see them in action -- whether in-person or on the news -- I am glad they are there to rescue people when disaster strikes. When I read of their hard work -- in an email alert from a deployment or on the Search Dog Foundation's Facebook page -- I am glad to be part of such an amazing group and I am glad to help them as they work so hard to help us all.

As a donor, volunteer and now a board member, my relationship with the Search Dog Foundation started shortly after the tragic 9/11 events. I worked with the founder Wilma Melville and current Executive Director, Debra Tosch in creating a database of the multitude of people who discovered the existence of the SDF during those events. Over the years, my involvement has continued to grow both as a donor and now as a board member. The SDF is an exemplary organization due largely to a phenomenally dedicated staff that never loses site of the goal of rescuing dogs and training them to rescue people. They are more mission focused than any organization I have supported. I will continue to support their efforts as we move forward in quest of making sure that when disaster strikes no one will be left behind.

My son has adopted shelter dogs, so I know he will appreciate a donation in his honor to the Search Dog Foundation, an organization that provides an important tool for to assist humans when natural disasters strike. We support the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation because we know that many dog owners across the country qualify their own animals as search and rescue dogs as well as companion canines. The more search dogs that are trained, the better off we are.

The NDSDF is one of the most admirable charitable organizations I have had the pleasure of working with. The staff of the NDSDF is professional, dedicated and hardworking, and strives, on a daily basis, to maintain their goal of excellence. Their effort and support during disasters is invaluable.

I love dogs. I was raised with dogs in the home and cannot imagine my life without them. When I was introduced to the Search Dog Foundation 6 years ago, and discovered the foundation rescues these wonderful animals from shelters and trains them to become rescuers, I was hooked! I have attended several events where I have witnessed demos of the teams in action... amazing! I have become acquainted with the foundation staff, volunteers and some of the Search Teams. Their dedication and passion is inspiring. The Search Dog Foundation will forever be my charity of choice.

I've volunteered for the SDF for 6 years, writing articles and photographing events and dog trainings. It has been my overall experience that every staff person, handler and dog has shown a high level of commitment and compassion. I love these folks! I will continue to support their efforts in whatever way needed for a very long time. They show integrity and inspiration all the way!

I have had the honor of being a volunteer with the Search Dog Foundation since 2001. Like everyone else on September 11th, I was glued to the TV as the events unfolded. And again like so many others, I was deeply touched by the actions of the search dogs and their firefighter partners. I had to find out more about them and my quest led me to the discovery of the SDF. I was compelled to be part of the organization that brought together both two and four-legged heroes. In my over 10 years of involvement my respect has deepened. My family sponsored Aspen (since retired after a stellar career) and couldn't have been prouder to tell the world about our latest addition! Witnessing the love that exists between firefighter and canine; knowing they are there for each other and for victims of disasters, tugs at my heart in a way that nothing else has ever done.

I am one of the canine recruiters on staff for SDF. It is tremendously fulfilling to meld my personal passion for animal rescue with community service, and to be involved with this organization.

I became involved with SDF many years ago while volunteering in the Labrador Retriever Rescue community, finding potential search dog candidates while visiting animal shelters. I became an estate donor after the passing of my husband. And I joined staff in the summer of the same year, giving my life new purpose. My late husband was extremely involved in, and supportive of my rescue endeavors, so in many ways my work honors his memory.

SDF is a lean organization, accomplishing much with a small paid staff and a wonderful army of volunteers. The vision is clear and there is much to do to recruit and train enough search dogs to meet the needs of the disasters that will inevitably come. I can’t encourage anyone enough to support our foundation. What a meaningful way to assure your legacy…and possibly save someone’s life.

In looking for a charity to give in the name of my grandchildren, (instead of birthday gifts that they do not need), this organization stood out as the best of all the ones of the I considered. And it was the four star rating they had from Charity Navigator that convinced me to donate. The office staff was wonderful and my grandkids are thrilled. A great organization!

As a Search Dog Foundation (SDF) volunteer for the past 6.5 years, I have seen this organization grow by leaps and bounds. Its mission to rescue high-energy dogs from shelters and breed rescues, train them to be rescuers, and then give these extraordinary canines to firefighters and other first responders is the reason I became involved -- it mirrored my fallen colleague's passions -- giving to others and her love of dogs. With support from court reporters across America, the Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial has sponsored six SDF canines to date, and our memorial continues to thrive! The Foundation's staff is a lean, hard-working, dedicated group who are always there to cheer us on in our quest to keep Julie's memory alive. The Foundation's mission to strengthen America's disaster response network -- at no cost to fire departments -- is a noble one, and they've proven to me that they're a great nonprofit!

I recently found out about this organization through their "Pledge" and was so touched by it: "If you are ever buried under a ton of rubble, trapped where no one can find you, or caught in the aftermath of a storm, I promise to sniff you out... I promise to never give up." What an amazing job these dog have.

After my decision to make a donation to this truly amazing foundation for what they accomplish everyday in the rescuing of canines & training these amazing animals to rescue lives when disaster strikes, I was very impressed to first receive a "Thank You" Letter for my donation followed by a "Thank You" phone call by one of their wonderful Volunteers ! Not only was this a nice surprise to be thanked for what I did more than once, it was almost shocking also never to be pressured to send more... This is an organization that does more than words can express, thanks to its Founder Wilma Melville and her vision to see a winning situation and make it happen.... Judy H.

I am a recent volunteer for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and consider it an honor to be involved in such an important and inspirational cause, but I have become even more impressed with the staff and their high level of commitment and work ethic. Wilma Melville is truly a visionary hero and her love and respect for dogs carries through in every aspect of this operation. One of my favorite things about coming here to volunteer is being around all the dogs that are pets of the staff that they bring to work with them. My idea of heaven! With such a big undertaking to raise the funds for the National Training Center, it's so heartwarming to see how even the smallest donation is met with such enthusiasm. I've never met such a dedicated and nice group of people.

Our family has been a supporter of Search Dogs for several years even before 9-11. We absolutely adore the mission of Search Dogs and are very pleased and proud to support such a wonderful organization.

As a donor and member of the Board of Directors, I fully support the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation mission of producing the most highly trained canine disaster search teams in the nation. The process of identifying canine candidates, pairing them with the right handler, training the team for certification, and providing lifetime care is a challenging and complex endeavor. Following the vision of its founder, Wilma Melville, and under the guidance of its Excutive Director, Debra Tosch, the tremendous NDSDF staff operates with efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out this mission.

The NDSDF is one of the most effective charitable organizations in the US. Its founder, Wilma Melville, truly is an American hero, as recognized by CNN, for her pioneering vision of matching rescued dogs with rescuers. The NDSDF also is a great example of partnership between private charity and public safety agencies, and should serve as a model for public-private cooperation in other areas. Like so many other people, I watched the search dogs at work during 9/11 and wondered what an ordinary person could do to help. The NDSDF was the answer. Since then, NDSDF dog and handler teams have responded to disasters around the world, and continue to add teams. The expansion and continued success of the NDSDF is proof that contributions are put to excellent use, and have produced priceless results. The staff of the NDSDF is professional, dedicated and hardworking, and I am proud to continue to support their outstanding efforts.

Thank you SDF, for a respectful and inspiring 9 11 memorial event. It is evident by the number of handlers and search dogs now based in multiple states, in a relatively short time, that SDF is utilizing contributions in a focused manner, and in direct support of the SDF mission statement: 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.
Thank you SDF for all of your efforts, and making possible first responders partnered with trained search dogs for our country.
I am honored to be a part of the search. Jamie/Donor and Volunteer

I've known of this fantastic organization since it's inception, as I live in the Ojai Valley where its offices are based. I've followed the agency's growth and progress over the years and have been very impressed with how they have taken one person's vision and successfully created a world-class nonprofit that is truly making a difference in this world. The founder and staff have an excellent reputation in the community. Their mission is simple and powerful - to save lives. They achieve a double win as they not only save lives, but their search dogs are rescued from animal shelters. Way to go Search Dogs!!!