Another step closer

30 days ago, they took their first step.  Well, it was really one big one among a million little ones, but it was the first of the 3 final steps they needed.

As always, Raezor did it her way.  She did it an awesome way by teaching Kristi that that cannot easily be set up, but is often talked about in scent theory.    As the scent flowed from one ridgetop to another, it created a puzzle for Kristi to solve.  And together, they found what they were looking for.     

So on to the next step they went.  Step two of three.   Once again, the little one proved herself a fine search dog and  messenger and delivered her message with distinction.   She left no doubt in anyone's mind as to what was going on.  

Now, step three is next.  It is the final step.  The step that launches them to the real world of searching as a team.  The step that gives them just a taste of what it will be like when the phone rings and it is time to really prove themselves.

They can do it.  

They Will do it.

So close you can almost touch it....

They can almost touch it.    That goal that they have pursued  for so long.  Training day and night.  Weekday and weekend.  Loving and cuddling.  Spending the night out in frigid weather together.  Step by step.  Signature by signature.   Until now.

All the signatures are there.   Both of them have taken nearly every step they need to take.  Next up are 3 tests.   Creating proof that these two together can do the job they have been training for.

This dog.  This dog came along to teach so much.  We thought we would take her in and teach her, but it turns out, it is she who has taught us far more than anything we could ever teach her.  She is the truest example of unconditional love to everyone that I have ever met.

This team.   This team has melded over time.  Sometimes it has been as though they have been partners for decades.  Sometimes, it is clear that Raezor is the master and Kristi is the pupil.  

 Step by step they have made their way together to this point.    Soon, they will take the biggest step of their lives together.  Not the tests coming up.  Those will be easy.   They are nothing compared to the first time Kristi says "Go Find" and someone out there is counting on them to do their job right in order for them to make it home.   That will be the biggest test of all.

They will do it.  I know they will.

Inch by Inch

This is where it all started.  A little puppy.  A "stupid, untrainable puppy we thought we'd take from a shelter, give her a good start and send her on her way to a great forever home.  But that weekend, she gave to us the idea that we were her forever home.  In 2 days, we trekked over 10 miles, and this was the ONLY time she needed to be carried.  It was only for about 15 minutes before she said, nope, I got this, and wouldn't be carried another step further.   She didn't know what we were looking for, but she discovered that each trail opening was of interest to us, so she began running point - finding the openings in the forest and venturing up them herself.   The long drive home, the decision was made.  She was staying.

A few months ago, when it was still cold, we traveled up to about 5000 feet and Kristi and Raezor got to do a practice test.  Up and over boulders and slash, bounded by a pond and a lake, and full of great hiding places ... they checked here, there and every where.  When horses came through and bicycles came through, it was fine.  The find on the subject was a bit out of the ordinary, but it was a great day for sure.  And after 1.5 hours, she was still ready to keep right on going.

We went back and visited the shelter she came from and Raezor got to do a demo in front of a crowd of 75 or so people... her first solo demo!  All eyes were on her.    On one side she had the grill cooking up burgers and hot dogs.  Behind her, the world watched as she meticulously searched.   She performed spectacularly and the crowd was wooed!   This stupid untrainable puppy has grown into an intelligent, highly trained dog. 

Getting to be in a helicopter this big was a scary event.  So much more massive than any helo she had been on or near before.   With very little hesitation, and with all the trust in the world for Kristi, rotors turning, exhaust blowing and dust kicking up everywhere, they got on.

Inch by inch, day by day, training by training, the closer they get.  A touch more time, and they'll be out searching for missing people... proving once again just how intelligent that little puppy really is....

Moving Right Along

It's been awhile.  Raezor is doing so so well!  She has progressed into a more consistent search dog.  Time, maturity and training have moved right along.  Life has brought along changes and we have moved to the southern half of the state.   She had just completed all of her sign offs where we came from, and now we are almost there again.  She has needed to mature and it has been good for all of us

Can't miss this!

They're getting there... moving right along.