| SHEP |
| It is hard to find a starting point when describing Shep he was the most dedicated friend and companion that I have ever known. I owe everything that I have ever achieved in regards to Search & Rescue to him. He was by my side through everything until the day he passed July 5th 2005 the hardest day of my life, I was Shep's handler, partner and above all his friend. We took part in many SAR responses over the years working long hours knowing that the outcome was going to be the worst. Most of the cases we worked would prove to be tragic, but we kept our heads up and worked hard for those few that turned out to have a happy ending. Shep was always up for working it was his life he loved searching more than anything else. When he was in his prime I could remember sitting on the couch with him laying on the floor asleep. When I would move my legs to cross them he would wake up in a panic just hoping to go to work. I always joked about how he slept with one eye open, and two ears rotating just so he would not miss anything. Shep was trained in land search for live and cadaver search as well as underwater recovery. He had tons of experience in water work. Originally we began our endeavors on Campbell County Water Rescue, Shep helped to locate many recovery victims in the 9 years he served on the team. Shep participated in many missions over the years and I will always treasure the time we had together. His loss has forever changed my life I know that he would want me to carry on and show another young pup the ropes. Someday I hope to join him again on another search that would be my true vision of HEAVEN. |