Our Dogs
Most of Our Dogs’ Stories Began in a Shelter
We provide homes and purpose for dogs who would otherwise find difficulty being adopted into typical pet homes because of their insatiable drive and boundless energy. While these traits can be a handful for some, they are the key to what makes them excel at wildlife detection.
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Atlas
DOB: 2014
Breed mix: Staffordshire terrier / Siberian husky / collie / golden retriever
Target odors: Avian fatalities, bat fatalities
Nicknames: Sir, Tuna, Atty
Adopted from a rescue in 2017, Atlas has spent most of his life sniffing out turbine fatalities at wind energy facilities. A seasoned professional, he has completed surveys at ten facilities across three states. Now nearing retirement age, Atlas has been working a bit less and napping a bit more. In his free time he enjoys hiking and learning new tricks.
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Rowan
DOB: 2021
Breed mix: Australian cattle dog / Doberman pinscher
Target odors: Avian fatalities, bat fatalities, western pond turtle
Nicknames: Ro dog, Ro
Originally recruited by Search Dog Foundation for human search and rescue, Rowan had a career change and found his true calling in conservation detection. For the past two years, Rowan has been searching for turbine fatalities in the Altamont Pass. Recently, he added western pond turtles to his scent repertoire. After work he enjoys going for runs, and playing with his human siblings.
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Emma
DOB: 2016
Breed mix: Labrador retriever / boxer / super mutt
Target odors: Avian fatalities, bat fatalities
Nicknames: Emms, Emma-bimma
Emma was found abandoned on a freeway minutes after her previous owners dumped her. A smart and joyful dog, Emma quickly adapted to her new life. She has proven herself to be remarkably versatile, and worked as a therapy dog for 3 years before transitioning into detection dog work. In her spare time, Emma enjoys rolling in the grass and eating snacks.
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Wren
DOB: 2023
Breed: Border collie
Target odors: Avian fatalities, bat fatalities, Pismo clam
Nicknames: Wren-a-roo, Wrenches
Wren is our only purpose-bred dog. Hailing from a wonderful breeder in the Midwest, Wren comes from a long line of successful working K9s. She started formal detection training at 6 months old and immediately excelled in the work - approaching her searches with all the focus and determination you'd expect from a border collie. In her free time she enjoys playing frisbee, playing frisbee, and playing more frisbee.
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Mara
DOB: 2024
Breed mix: Belgian malinois / German shepherd
Target odors: In training
Nicknames: Jellybean, The Creature
Mara is the newest dog to join the team. She was pulled from a shelter as a puppy for her working potential, and had started learning human remains odor for Search and Rescue. Through no fault of her own she found herself needing a new home, and we were thrilled to give her one. So far she has proven herself to be sweet, social, and full of drive. We are excited to see what this girl can do!
Interested in working with us?