Before the Thomas Fire started, SDF had planned a training of four new disaster teams. Dogs and handlers were onsite. Everyone escaped to the Crowne Plaza for the night. The next day plans were made to move to the Ventura Marriott. At the Marriott, while the air quality was still poor, obedience training went on in the conference rooms and treadmills were used for exercise.

As the air cleared and it was safer to go outside they walked the Promenade area practicing bark work and other commands. These dogs, who mostly came from rescue sites and shelters, often dogs deemed “unadoptable” because of their energy and drive, maintained their focus and training in very distracted surroundings.

They came back to the SDF Training Facility and even with the damage that was done to the site, they continued their work, “not skipping a beat” Sanders said.

For additional information about the organization and to help them rebuild their sate of the art facility after the Thomas Fire, please go to their website.