K9 Search and Rescue, first with my Golden Retriever Carl, then with his nephew Dart, has made me a true believer in the intelligence and intuition of dogs. I am in awe of their combination of independence and unconditional love for their humans.  It has taught me to be a team with my dog, to respect his ability to make decisions, to work not as the "boss", but side by side, as colleagues. For a while, I was still skeptical.  After all, when you see what goofy clowns Golden Retreivers can be, it's hard to believe they can work as hard as they do, or be as smart as they are!  But one event clinched it for me.

One very cold night in early March of last year, I was away for the weekend. My husband was sleeping soundly at around 11:00 pm.  He awoke to insistent, demanding barking from Carl, who was at the door leading into our garage. Upon investigating, my husband discovered a raging fire in the garage - he had time only to grab a jacket and boots, leash both dogs, and head outside.  Once out there, heavy black smoke blinded and disoriented him, but the dogs led him to safety.  Our house burned to the ground; we lost every material possession we owned. I absolutely believe that, without Carl, I would have lost something infinitely more precious to me than a house. Carl is my hero.

I am so pumped to be training with K-9 Common Scents and, through scentwork, every dog can realize their full potential, become their own brand of hero.