SAR Dog Memorial

In honor of those dedicated, enthusiastic, canine companions who loved to do search and rescue as much as their owners did.

S.A.R. HEROES

The biggest Heroes never look
the way we think they should,
Yet they can do amazing things
no human ever could.
They never think about themselves
no challenge is too great,
They'll risk their life for anyone
and never hesitate.
They don't expect a medal for
what comes so naturally,
The only thing they really need
is Love from you and me.
These Heroes are a special breed
God made each one that way,
I didn't understand until
they buried mine today.

© By: Freda H. Babinski
Written: 8-11-2000
Dedicated to the SAR Heroes
From: http://petmemorialcards.com/flagcard3.html

Chara

Chara
German Shepard
1997 - 2011

9/10/11

Yesterday morning, with a very heavy heart, I finally said goodbye to Chara, my beloved 14 1/2 year old GSD. She was my working SAR dog, my biggest fan and most loyal companion - a highly driven, stubborn reflection of myself. She lived the fullest life any dog could ever hope for. We backpacked everywhere from the Sierras to the Cascades to the Colorado Rockies. We found lost hikers, suicide and drowning victims. We camped with NASA astronauts and dedicated Columbia Peak to the victims of the Columbia disaster. We taught countless children how not to get lost in the woods. We taught Military Working Dog Handlers canine first aid for the field. She was my "guinea pig" for learning anatomy in vet school, laser and manual therapy, chiropractic, nutritional supplements and arthritis medications. She was the inspiration for all that I have done professionally. No doubt many patients in the future will benefit from what she has taught me.

As those of you who are working dog handlers know, losing your partner is like losing your right arm. They are such a part of you that you only really realize the vacuum left behind until they are gone. Thanks to everyone for your support and friendship over the last 6 months' roller coaster ride with her. It's nice to be surrounded by "dog people" every day who really understand and respect the deep bond that you can develop with an animal.

I will miss her deeply, the stubborn little donkey...

Jen

Bear

Bear
Chocolate Labrador Retriever
1998 - 2011

Bear was thirteen. He fielded as a trailing dog for eight of those years and loved every minute of it. He was always a sweet old boy. I'm sure he and Trace are off together now finding lost souls somewhere. - Dan Fanning

Trace

Trace
Yellow Labrador Retriever
2004 - 2010

I'll always remember his beautiful face and his goofy approach to life. He was always his own person, and insisted on doing things his way. It never failed to make me chuckle to myself when he would take off on an alert. He brought a lot of smiles to folks in his 6 short years. Trace's mission is over and he is at peace. - Dan Fanning

Rosie

Rosie
Labrador Retriever
November 4, 1996 - April 20, 2009

On April 20, 2009, Rosie departed this world for her final mission. Her mission was simple. To find that place where a search dog has unlimited squirrels to chase, lakes to swim in, rocks to climb on, snow to roll in, and meadows where she can play as much as she wants, work as much as she wants, and nap as often as she wants. And at the end of the day, there is always a little boy to find, who will play with her to both of their hearts content.

Rosie served as a certified search dog for almost 10 years.

Hug and love those that are dear to you, whether they are two-legged or four-legged. And do not take your time together for granted.

As for her final mission: "Rosie! Go find!"

Allen Weaver

Miriah

Miriah
Black Labrador Retriever
October 27, 1989 - April 8, 2002

Miriah was a member of Larimer County Search and Rescue from 1990 to 2002 and held Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado certifications in Air Scent, Water, and Evidence.

Came into my life at 7 weeks old, started training at 8 weeks........ Well over 100 fieldings and her favorite parts were Helicopter and Zodiac rides........ Next was the Division of Wildlife adventures.. and all of the hugs and pets that came her way.......

The life span of a SAR Dog is like the twinkle of a star in the heavens. The influence of a canine companion and working partner on our soul is forever!

Run free like the wind, "Miriah Weetomp" (Lakota Sioux) Run Free!! Jayne Zmijewski