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Search Dog Foundation In Honor Of An Extraordinary Dog… And A Tribute To Her Handler…
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Debra & Abby during 9-11.
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he National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) consistently lives up to a singular and important mission to strengthen disaster response in America by partnering rescued dogs with firefighters to save lives.
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So, the amazing partnership began: Debra Tosh engaged with the SDF when she moved to Ojai and the Foundation was less than one year old. When she heard the SDF was looking for volunteers, she raised her hand. Debra said, “I believe in the SDF’s Mission with all of my heart and soul.” Abby, a female Black Lab, was born October 30, 1997– the only girl in a litter of seven. She was born in the bedroom of the Search Dog Foundation founder Wilma Melville. Abby lived with Wilma for the first seven weeks of her life. There have been and will continue to be She weighed just one pound at birth, but quickly amazing dogs and equally amazing trainers. grew to be a good-sized puppy. Sadly, one of the most exceptional SDF dogs, After leaving Wilma’s home, Abby went to Abby, passed away in September. This is the live with a woman named Kim in Ojai as part of story of a great partnership between Abby and her “Prep Home” training. She stayed with Kim her partner-handler, Debra Tosch, and all that for eight months, was given heaps of love and they’ve accomplished. affection, and learned good discipline. At 10 Debra & Abby in 2009. Photo by Silva months, Abby went off to Sundowners Kennel, our Abby: October 30, 1997 – September 23, 2011 Photography. professional training facility in Gilroy, CA. She learned Abby was the partner of Debra Tosch, Search Dog all the basic skills for becoming a Search Dog, and at the end of her Foundation Executive Director and Former Handler with Los Angeles training was partnered with Debra Tosch, then SDF’s Program Director. City Task Force. Debra believed that the handlers and search and Abby and Debra bonded very quickly. They loved being together rescue dogs were true partners and talked about them as equals. and practiced their search skills diligently. After only seven months, She was passionate about the importance of mutual respect, which they attained Basic Certification for disaster search from the Federal is different in this context from the more nurturing and emotional Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Three months later, they parent-baby language that people usually use to communicate with attained Advanced Certification and were considered one of the top pets. Debra said, “These dogs are truly amazing. An example would canine/handler search teams in the nation. “When it comes to Abby, be the dogs’ contribution during 9/11—the families, the firefighters, I love her dearly. The relationship is all about mutual respect, bonds the police officers all had total faith and trust in these dogs…and and partnership. She’s done everything that has ever been asked these dogs never tired or anything like that—they just did of her.” it. They did what needed to be done. Then, at the end On September 11th, 2001, their skills were put to by SDF Volunteer of the day, they were almost like therapy dogs for the ultimate test when they were called into action as one stein Blumen Lisa everyone.”
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