Go Find

It's been a while since we've been here - on this blog.   

Raezor has been a mission ready search dog for a year now!  I swear, I blinked, and a year sneeked  by.  This is from a search in San Bernardino County, on the Pinacles Trail.  I swear, hot in Southern California is hotter than Northern California, but I can tell you this day was HOT. This was in October and while the morning was icy cold - quite literally- by afternoon we were hot hot hot.  This was nearing the end of our trek back after climbing over, under, through and around some pretty thick stuff

This was our search area.

Both Kristi and Raezor are in this picture... you just have to look closely.

Good little dog did her darndest to get anywhere Kristi asked her to.

This was a long day, with a lot of ground to cover.  Both Kristi and Raezor did a phenomenal job covering their area... can't say the same for me through some of this - I spent a lot of time trying to breathe just getting to the area - lots of UPHILL.    

Still so very proud of these two.    

Waiting for another search......

This post is a bit late in coming.  I could have posted something a month ago that would have been short and succinct that would have gotten the message across.  I waited because I wanted a picture of Raezor with my girl with her Mission Ready Patch

They did it!  They passed all 3 of their tests to become deployable in the state of California.  It was many, many, many hours of time and miles of travel to get there.  Sometimes the road was bumpy to be sure, but  never did I doubt that they would make it.    Their final test day was a gorgeous day in a beautiful place with fabulous evaluators.   Kristi did her job and Raezor did her job and together they covered the area well and found exactly who they were supposed to find.  

Now the next step on this adventure begins... the REAL THING.   They will do it well, of that I am sure.

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.

Look At Her Go!!!

Swimming might have been the only thing Raezor has approached with trepidation.  She danced around it. Tried to fly over it.  Tried to run on top of it.


In the end, she conquered her concern.... and just swam.   


I love this girl!  

A New Era

Fear.
And Promise.
The Future
Inevitable Change.


19 months ago, I said goodbye to an icon.  The dog that taught me what a search dog was supposed to be.  The dog that taught me what dedication was.  The dog that taught me what drive was.  The dog that taught me what willful disobedience was.  The dog that taught me that dogs read wind better than humans and silly puff bottles do.  


She is gone.


Here he comes.   I am afraid I won't live up to the things I think I have learned.  I am afraid I won't live up to what he will need me to be.  


I have to try.  I have to keep moving forward and give him the best possible chance at making a difference.


I suspect, he is just the push I have been needing.

Meet IC

Not I See.  Not Icy (that's his aunt).  I.C.  


In the SAR world, the I. C. is the Incident Commander.  The IC knows all that is going on and directs the search.   I decided that I should have the IC with me!   Cuz I KNOW he is going to direct the search!


He was born May 31st, 2011.  Soon, he will be home with us, and my new adventure will start.  I am not sure I am ready for this.  The funny thing is... I think he IS!

A Water Dog is born

Running around the shore, watching with envy as Kaeden leisurely swam, Raezor flitted back and forth nimbly, never venturing in more than chest deep.  We looked on, assuming that if she really wanted to she would get in.  


My lack of patience won out and I tossed a stick. I figured what had happened in the past would happen again - Kaeden goes after the stick, and she waits on shore to attack him and take the stick.


Imagine our surprise as the stick hit the water and Raezor flew in from shore like a true dock diving dog!  She very nearly jumped all the way to the stick itself!  It took a bit for her to stop trying to hold her head up (and thus look like she was swimming straight up in the air) and that first swim back to shore she fairly well road Kaeden back in.   But after more tosses of a stick and successful swims out and back, Raezor started to look like a dog that knew how to swim!


Then we stopped at one more spot along our journey home.  This one not so calm as the first.  As a matter of fact it had a pretty decent speed to it.   We tossed a stick in anyway, and she took off with Kaeden after the stick and didn't panic even when the current caught her.  For a bit she simply treaded water in the current and then properly rode the current to shore, watching Kaeden"s every move.


Then she started just playing in the water.  Pawing at the things on the bottom of the creek.  The next thing we knew... she was doing this...

Over and over again... pawing and shoving her head in

Sometime's she'd come up with a stick

And sometimes, nothing at all

Nevertheless, she kept dunking her head in, hoping for something good

It was a good water day.  

Another Milestone

This is Raezor suiting up for her first helicopter shorthaul.  It is only the second time she had ever had the harness on, but she wasn't disturbed by it.  None of the action and activity bustling on around her flustered her either.  


She waited patiently, having no clue what all the fuss was about.  Even when the reason for the 'fuss' became evident, she wasn't phased at all.

Being lifted by a rope dangling 100 feet below a helicopter was just another day on the job for her.  No worry, no panic, no fear showed on her face.  The helicopter lifted her up and she just enjoyed the ride.

Off she flew, over the trees and back down to the ground.  

Once again, she made us proud.  Whatever we throw at her, she catches with ease...


By the way... that was Kristi's first shorthaul too!!  She made it look like her 1000th....

A Party!!!

Our SAR team's 50th anniversary is being celebrated this Saturday at the Elks Lodge in Chico from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Raezor will get to be there and, if all goes as planned, might just get another helicopter adventure for all to see!


Come out and see us, see all that we're about!  Raezor would love to meet you give you a wiggle body kiss!

Making A Difference

Today, Raezor went to a call.  She could not participate as a search dog, because she is not ready yet.  She could do nothing more than sit in the back of the truck and wait and watch all the activity around her.  Trains winding their way through the canyon.  Helicopters flying overhead. People and more people and still more people with ropes, and packs, and poles and cameras and all sorts of other necessary equipment filing back and forth next to the truck, for hours on end.  


Today, Raezor helped a woman.  She couldn't participate in the search to find this woman's son, but she helped none the less. 


For hours, this woman watched all the same activity Raezor did.  Trains winding their way through the canyon. Helicopters flying overhead.  People and more people, and still more people with ropes, and packs, and poles and cameras and all sorts of other necessary equipment filing back and forth along the roadway. And she could do nothing more than sit on the edge of a road and wait and watch all the activity around her.  


When the call concluded, this woman's son was found.  The outcome was not good, but it was the outcome that was expected.  But, still, as the grandmother told me before we started, you still have to hold out just a little bit of hope.  What else can you do?


I heard his mom cry out; I watched as tears fell upon finally seeing her son and realizing his fate was real. And definite.  And there was no hope to hold out for any longer. 


We put all of our gear and equipment away.  We packed our truck and drove a short ways away.  We stopped to give ourselves a break before the long, winding mountain drive home.  Mom and grandma drove up.   They asked if, please, could they just say hi to the dogs.  Could they just pet the dogs for a moment.  


Of course.


The canopy lid was lifted and Raezor went to work.  She snuggled, cuddled and loved this woman as if they were long lost friends.  The young man's mother talked to Raezor and thanked her for being there.  She petted Raezor and let her lick her from one side to the other.  She talked to Raezor about her son, and Raezor listened.  And Raezor gave her more love.  


And I watched.  Amazed entirely at how much a young dogs love and enthusiasm could, if just for a moment, make a heartbroken woman's soul feel a tiny bit better.


Today, Raezor went on a call.  She didn't clear an area.  She didn't make a find.  But she made a difference.

Just Another Day

Initially tentative, Raezor watched as the helicopters rotors began spinning.  The noise got louder and louder and the wind from the blades got stronger and stronger.  She stepped back a bit, but watched with anticipation.

When Kristi and she were waved over, there was not one moments hesitation.  She trusted Kristi, and to the helicopter she went.

And on in she went, and waited patiently while Kristi got her self seatbelted in and settled.

Off they flew, for a short tour of the canyons surrounding Paradise.  Raezor watched bemusedly for a bit, but was never concerned about the experience.

It seemed, in fact, that she looked for me so that we could get this picture as they flew off.

They landed with out incident.

And exited calmly and professionally.

Once again... as if she had done all this before.


I see it in her eyes.  

Her first REAL Demo day!

It has been a month since my last post about Raezor.  She has been doing so so well!  But I haven't taken a camera out with me to get new pictures.  I will try to rectify that!

A couple of weeks ago we went to another county to do a demo for their 4 H group. It was her first real demo ... her first chance to show off ... and she was awesome

She walked on the agility equipment as if it had been built just for her.

She sat, mostly patiently, waiting for all the discussion to be over with.  Then she had to watch 3 other dogs do demos.  Other dogs that were more experienced and were losing their minds watching everyone else work.  

But then it was her turn.  You couldn't have ordered better conditions with the wind to get a scent cone.

The grass was just high enough that all one had to do was lay down and they would disappear from view. If you click on the photos your computer should make them bigger.  Raezor is to the  right to the subject in the  top photo, and at the subject in the next photo. You can just barely make out the blue the boy was wearing.

I missed Raezor actually giving Kristi her alert, but here she is showing Kristi back to the boy.

 For her first demo, Raezor did remarkably well.  She saw it as another opportunity to work and took it as such.


Even since then, we have worked Raezor and continue to see improvement.  She is definitely teaching us that her learning style is 'it sticks when I figure it out, not when you make me do it.' 
We had been in a slight struggle with the "I love the subject" issue... the SUBJECT was THE best reward you could give her!  She wanted to stay with them, whether they responded to her or not, and just kiss kiss kiss over and over and over and over. While working on this, we accidentally set up a problem that, because of the way she found the subject, she couldn't get to them because of berry vines.  She didn't waste any time with the subject and ran right back to Kristi.  When they came back to the subject, she then found the route in that avoided the berry vines, and a party ensued.  It must have meant something to her because last weekend she found a woman she is dearly in love with, left after a short confirmatory it is YOU, and went right back to Kristi for the alert.  We are hoping this lesson sticks!


We did a water cadaver problem with her that day too.... she who has tried all to walk on, over around or just in general keep from getting into the water, discovered that something she gets rewarded for can be IN the water.... we were all laughing so hard, tears rolling down our faces, as she, while standing in water up to her chest, stuck her head into the water MULTIPLE times trying to get to the item... then began pawing it, trying to bring it to shore.... I think we may have taught her that water is FUN!


She is 11 months old.  Kristi has been working her since Sept 2010 - 7 months into training and she has got this game down, almost solid.  


Day by day, she and Kristi are getting there. 


Now, we're off to train!! (and yes, I am bringing my camera!)

Rainy Day Fun

It was with great joy and pleasure that we got to go work in the rain on Saturday.  Raezor got two new subjects and got to work a beautiful scent cone that 5 people got to watch.  

She worked the scent cone perfectly into the first subject,  and spirited off when asked to go find a second.  She found him and raced right back to Kristi... well, not before licking both sides of the subject's face.


Both subjects were covered in 'odd' coverings....from camo netting to plastic bags... and no issues for her with that.  With both subjects we got to see what has become her signature when moving into the subject... a whole body melting wiggle from ears to tail.  It is very readable. 


Much appreciation to the people who went out with us; for being subjects, for taking pictures and for intelligent questions. 


Moving right along!!