Lori Gordon & K-9 Davner SAR NEWS Published by the National Search Dog Alliance September 2019 Vol. 13, No. 9

Article page 2019 BOD Meeting Dates 1 HRD Logbook 21 Bucky Says 1 The Last Howl 22 The President’s Corner 2 NSDA Upcoming Tests 23 NSDA Newest Certified Handlers 3 Upcoming Training, Seminars & Conferences 24 at Ground Zero 3 Standards Changes You Will Want to Know 4 Don’t Touch a Pig Ear 5 2019 Board Meeting Dates 5 County North CA. Mountains Search 6 Oct. 3, Nov. 7 Toxicities for Urban SAR Dog 8 Contact Corporate Secretary, Julie Grinnell, at Meet Dora the Explorer 10 [email protected] for the call-in number for the Book Review Cold Fear 11 meeting Callie the SAR Dog 12 Sunburn 12 Prison Sentence for Death of 12 August 26: National Dog Day 13 Cyanide Bombs Can Kill Your SAR Dog 13 Can Dogs Get Hiccups? 14 Bucky Says: MRIs: Human Preferences Shaped Dog Traits 15 USPS: Military Forever Stamp 17 Don’t Worry, Synopsis: September Board Meeting 18 Board of Directors 19 Pee Happy! Founding Members 19 Bahamas Woman/rescues dogs 19 Kibbles & Bits: Mosquitoes 20

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The President’s Corner Reflections

Howdy Readers! I had an article in mind for this month that was going to look at NSDA certifications and their respective standards. However, I am going to be honest with you all right now. My day started with regular day at work regular job (I work in a physical therapy clinic) and once I arrived home, I was dispatched to a search call where I spent the entirety of my weekday evening. This means I that I didn’t get my chores done, ate fast food instead of that pot roast that I was supposed to make, and it also means that I I didn’t get my homework done (I didn’t finish my article for you all).

Now that I have finally arrived home post-search, finished my search report, and sent off my GPS tracks, it is time to get to finishing that article. However, I can’t keep my train of thought. I am having writer’s block when it comes to putting together my previous ideas that were coming so together so easily before. Therefore, I have decided to table that article until next month. Instead I wanted to talk about reflecting.

Reflecting is something that we do a lot in SAR. We log our training sessions and try to reflect on the good and the bad to try to move forward, we reflect through our post search debriefings and, if you are like me…and haven’t fallen asleep already, you sit there and think about the what ifs, the whys, and just wish you could figure out the puzzle that lays before you. Reflecting can be something that we use to make us better and it can be something that causes us to dwell too heavily on something that is out of our control.

Reflections also help me to work on my perspective and can lead to joy and even a little bit of pride. Thinking back on my dog’s performance today brings a little pride and joy.

Today was a tough day to search, the humidity levels were through the roof and the temperature shot up about 20 degrees from yesterday alone. In May, that sort of temperature jump would have left my dog struggling but, now that she has had all summer to acclimate, it was nice to see her handle it swimmingly. This is something that in the past I have struggled with due to some ill-timed injuries during the summer months.

My personal reflection on this has provided me with some inspiration/goals to set for the both of as a team during these coming winter months. I wonder what other areas in my life could benefit from some focused reflection.

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NSDA’S NEWEST CERTIFIED SAR K-9 HANDLERS

MISSOURI NEW YORK Jill Holcomb and K-9 Silas Judy Zeigler and K-9 Oakley Area II Area II

Dogs at Ground Zero

Dogs played a vital role in rescuing humans in the carnage in New York after the bombings of 9/11/2001. NYPG Apollo was awarded the * on behalf of all the K-9s in at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Apollo and his team spent endless hours on the pile diving into rubble and through flames to find people and bring them to safety.

Two Labradors were also honored. While not military dogs, Salty and Roselle were guide dogs who led their blind owners down more than 70 floors of the World Trade Center to safety.

*Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. It is recognized worldwide as the animals’ . Source: I love my dog by Georgina Harris

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NSDA STANDARDS CHANGES

Q. Why does NSDA require ICS 200 but not ICS 700 and 800 for testing? county officials, and FEMA and other federal agency emergency managers and staff – those A. ICS 700 and 800 do not apply to the needs who have a responsibility to provide for of the individual dog handler in order to work effective response. in a search. Your individual team may require it in order to participate in team activities but New K-9 Vaccination Rules NSDA does not want you to jump through unnecessary hoops in order to certify that you After initial vaccinations, NSDA will accept and your dog can successfully work as a team. titers done within one (1) year of the test date in lieu of additional vaccinations. The Please read the description of these courses exception is which will need to be done below. every three years.

ICS 200 Primary Audience Urban Trailing The intended audience(s) are response personnel at the supervisory level who are The new Urban Trailing standard is in its final involved with emergency planning, response, draft. Supporting documents are being written or recovery efforts. and Beta Testing is being planned.

ICS 700. Primary Audience Test Prerequisite Requirements The course is intended for a wide audience of personnel which includes government We will no longer require a letter saying that executives, private-sector and non- you will be deployed once certified. governmental organization (NGO) leaders, and emergency management practitioners, senior Acreage Adjustment Chart to elected and appointed leaders such as Federal department or agency heads, State Governors, determine test size mayors, tribal leaders, and city or county officials and other individuals with emergency Many parts of our country cannot be searched management responsibilities including in the time our tests permit. Soon our new prevention, protection, response, recovery and chart will have additional criteria added to mitigation. determine if the required acreage can be lowered.

ICS 800. Primary Audience New HRD Standard This course is intended for government executives, private sector and non- governmental organization (NGO) leaders, and There will be a separate large acreage, large emergency management practitioners. This source HRD test. The certificate will state that includes senior elected and appointed leaders, this only qualifies the handler to search acreage, not buildings or vehicles for HRD. such as Federal department or agency heads, State Governors, mayors, tribal leaders, city or Watch for more info next month

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illnesses. More products could be recalled as Don’t touch any pig ear treats or testing identifies Salmonella," the CDC said. feed them to your dog, the FDA and A Northeast Ohio doggy day care owner is CDC say reminding dog owners not to give their dogs the tasty treats. "The reason we don't allow A warning about a multistate salmonella them is because it's a choking hazard, and pig outbreak tied to pig ear treats has been ears also can cause potty issues in dogs." updated to include all pig ear products. Animals and their humans can get sick with Salmonella from simply handling these treats or caring for a dog who has eaten one.

"A total of 127 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 33 states," the CDC said in its recent update

Twenty-six people have been hospitalized and 24 of the illnesses have been in children younger than five. No deaths have been reported.

Symptoms of salmonella infection in humans Whitney Callahan, owner of Inn the Doghouse include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. It in Lakewood, told Cleveland’s FOX 8 News that may be harder to identify the infection in a dog their policy has always been to not use pig but look for diarrhea which may be bloody; ears for those reasons and now, because of sluggish or tired behavior; and possible the recall, they're reminding their clients to vomiting or fever. throw out the pig ears if they have any at home and wash their hands and the location The CDC recommends that adults and children the pig ears were stored. wash their hands after playing with or feeding their . Owners should discourage their "Give your dog alternatives such as from licking humans' faces after they eat or products like antlers, or Kongs, or something from licking open wounds. Pet food should also called No Hide," Callahan said. "Kids are also be stored away from human food to avoid any at risk, because young children will put their contamination. fingers in their mouths very commonly after petting their dogs," said Doctor Amy Ray from The CDC and the US Food and Drug Metro Health Medical Center. "Getting sick Administration are also advising retailers not to from salmonella causes people to lose a lot of sell pig ear treats. Companies have recalled fluids. Children can become dehydrated very pig ear products because of possible quickly, and people who have underlying contamination. "No single supplier, distributor diseases," Dr. Ray said. or common brand of pig ear treats has been identified that could account for all the Source: FOX 8 Cleveland, OH Paul Kiska

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Hiker disappears in N. California mountains on 5-day hike

Daniel Komins had embarked on a solo hiking trip in the Trinity Alps, about 75 miles northwest of Redding, CA on August 10. He had not been seen since one day later when backpackers told the Trinity County Sheriff's Office they had seen him on the trail.

The 34-year-old, who is an experienced hiker, also spoke to his girlfriend on the night of August 11 and "informed her that the trip was going as planned," according to the sheriff's office.

© Trinity County Sheriff's Office

He was expected to return from the hike on August 14. Komins' empty car was found near the trailhead on the same day, officials said. He had food, water and backpacking supplies with him on the hike.

"Komins is an experienced hiker and an Emergency Medical Technician," the sheriff's office said. "He has with him a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker, which is not presently operating appropriately. Komins also has with him his cellular telephone which has seen no activity since August 11, 2019.

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Several additional backpackers were located who had had contact with Komins on August 11, 2019. Based on the information provided by these individuals, additional areas were plotted to be searched, as it appeared that Komins may have deviated from his initial itinerary.

As many as 60 personnel participated in the search for Daniel Komins on August 17, 2019. The effort to locate Komins included over 40 individual ground searchers, numerous helicopter teams and various all- terrain vehicle teams, according to the sheriff's office. Helicopters also placed ground searchers into high elevation areas to investigate the difficult-to-access trails.

On Sunday morning, the twelve rescue teams began investigating their respective areas around first light, the sheriff's office said. Trinity Alps Wilderness Area Later that morning, a California Highway Patrol helicopter observed what appeared to be a backpack lying off trail, between L Lake and Mirror Lake. The backpack was recovered by ground search teams already near the area.

The team identified the backpack as belonging to Komins, continued to comb the locale and soon found his body, police said. Komins' remains were then flown from the area via helicopter.

"A preliminary investigation appears to indicate that Komins may have fallen in the steep and rocky terrain," the Sheriff's office said in a statement.

Agencies involved in the search:

Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Trinity County Search and Rescue Butte County Search and Rescue Marin County Search and Rescue Contra Costa County Search and Rescue California Highway Patrol, which has included ground and helicopter teams.

Sources: ABC News, CNN

Search Briefing (photo TCSO)

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irritation and discomfort will be the primary Environmental Toxicities symptoms. Although rare, a severe, life- in the Urban SAR Dog threatening anaphylaxis reaction may occur. A Part I dog may have a more serious response as a , but many have a less severe response Search and rescue dogs may come into contact as they grow older. It is rare that reactions with venomous insects, arthropods or snakes become worse with age, but it is possible. during field trainings or deployments. Natural Multiple stings may cause a more severe disasters may cause venomous animals to reaction than a single sting. become relocated from their normal habit. Nocturnal animals, such as scorpions, may be If your dog does get stung, the first thing to do active during the day during a disaster. is to remove your dog from the area where the Tornadoes and hurricanes may relocate incident took place. If the dog lies down to animals not common to the area. (Hurricanes inspect the stung area, it may lie on a wasp blow birds around and bring animals up rivers.) nest or next to the bush where the hive is thus provoking more attacks. It is important to be aware of venomous animals in the area. To recognize such animals Most dogs recover from stings very well with will help avoid confusion if a situation arises. A no treatment. Mild irritation and swelling may list of animals that may be venomous should occur and most dogs are able to continue be compiled and should include pictures. working. Before each training or deployment, every canine team should receive a copy. Diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) is an effective medication when It is important to know the location of the dealing with mild sting nearest veterinary clinic. A list, including reactions, such as swelling and telephone numbers and directions, compiled itchiness. The typical dose of prior to the training or deployment, will help diphenhydramine is 1 milligram expedite medical attention. Veterinary Medical per pound of body weight. Assistance Teams are equipped to deal with Therefore, a 50 pound dog field emergencies and are often deployed would receive 50 milligrams. during FEMA responses. It is important to The dose can be repeated every 12 hours. locate them upon arrival at a disaster scene in Most dogs will only require one dose. case of emergency. Diphenhydramine can cause some sleepiness, Insect stings: which may be contraindicated in a dog that is Bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants are actively working. Overall, diphenhydramine is common and can be safe at the 1 milligram per pound dose and is encountered in either well tolerated in almost all dogs. Removing the urban or wilderness stinger as soon as possible and applying a cold areas. Dogs may compress to the area will also help relieve respond in a variety of discomfort. A nonsteroidal topical cream may ways if stung. For most help to alleviate pain as well. dogs, localized swelling,

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If your dog is bitten by a venomous snake, it is Anaphylaxis is defined as severe systemic best to seek veterinary care immediately. Most allergic reaction and is an emergency. This veterinarians are in agreement that owners may occur as quickly as five (5) minutes after spend too much time in the field trying to care the sting. Severe itching, difficulty breathing, for the bites. The best treatment can only salivation, hives, vomiting and collapse are all occur at a veterinary clinic by a veterinarian. It signs of anaphylaxis. Veterinary care should is important to tell the veterinarian WHEN the be sought out immediately. bite occurred, HOW many bites occurred, WHAT kind of snake it was and WHERE the Diphenhydramine may decrease the severity of bite wound is. symptoms if given right away. It is important to notify the veterinarian of any medications Remember, though that the dog received prior to arriving at the it is ideal to clinic. Upon arrival at the veterinary clinic, determine what intravenous steroids and fluids may be kind of snake bit administered to help reverse the shock. the dog, it is not ideal for you to Unfortunately, like people, some dogs may become bitten. react adversely to insect stings. It isn’t until a Capturing or killing dog has been stung that the handler discovers the snake is not how severe a reaction their dog can have. copperhead necessary and will Being alert and having a watchful eye may only delay transport of your dog to a help decrease the chance of a sting. veterinarian.

Snake Bites: The amount of pain and swelling tends to be Venomous snakes are more common in the directly related to the amount of venom that southern and western areas of the USA but was injected. Typical signs of a snake bite may be encountered in most areas of the include vomiting, hives, facial swelling, bruising country. Although generally found in non- in the area, increased or decreased heart rate, urban areas, certain situations like hurricanes decreased blood pressure, inability to walk, and tornadoes may displace these creatures to seizures and collapse. Signs typically occur cities and in to buildings. within the first 10-15 minutes. "Dry bites" can occur, where the snake does not inject venom. The most common venomous snakes found in the United States are If the dog is farther than 30 minutes away rattlesnakes, water from a veterinary clinic, then slowing the moccasins, spread of the venom should be done while copperheads, someone else helps transport the patient and bushmasters and the owner. Keeping the dog calm, ideally fer-de-lance. It is immobilizing the dog, will help decrease the important to familiarize circulation of venom. A constricting yourself with the tourniquet can be applied if signs start to venomous snakes in show. Remember, this should be used as a your area. fer-de-lance last resort because impeding blood flow to a limb for an extended period of time (greater . SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 10

“She’s got really good mobility, because of how than 15 minutes) may result in permanent small she is,” said her handler, Capt. Mike damage to the tissue of that area. Avoid trying Hampton III. to “cut out” the affected area, suck out the venom or placing ice directly on the area, as “Wherever I put her blanket on a chair, she none of these have proven useful in slowing knows that’s where she goes. It’s a big picture the absorption of venom. CPR may be needed of ‘Dora the Explorer,’ so that’s pretty neat,” during transport if the dog goes into cardiac Hampton said. “She was the one of the (litter) arrest. that would explore everything. When they would be running off playing ball, her nose Upon arrival at the would be down to the ground sniffing off veterinary clinic everything she could see and the animal's she could smell.” The name condition will be came naturally. Her “Dora evaluated. the Explorer” cartoon Intravenous access character blanket is one of rattlesnake will be gained and her rewards; she crashes on IV fluids will be given to help combat the it in rare moments of shock. Antivenin may or may not be relaxation or sleep. administered. Bloodwork will probably be collected to determine the overall effects of the Dora is a field Labrador venom on the organs and circulatory system. trained primarily to work with Oxygen might be administered. The breathing walk offs and runaways. An and circulatory systems will be monitored and increasingly common situation for the K-9 team treated as clinical signs develop. Antivenin is locating a patient with Alzheimer’s or appears to be most effective when given within dementia who has disappeared. 4 hours of the bite. “I’m basically treating her as someone I work There are very limited studies in regard to the with. I mentor her. Instead of treating her like overall prognosis of snake bites in dogs. It has a dog, she’s a teammate,” Hampton said. been proven that those that obtain veterinary “She’s not a dog to me. She’s one of us.” care as quickly as possible have a better prognosis than those that don’t. Part of the regular training is having fellow firefighters run away and hide. Dora has to find See Part II in the next issue of SAR Dog News. them, even hidden in a closed fire truck, closet or closed search box. At the military base, which also has obstacles and woods, there are Meet Dora the explorer dog mazes and tunnels she can track through.

Dora’s excitement begins as soon as Hampton With her nose to the ground, or high in the air, gives her a scent to find. Dora launches herself Dora the explorer dog, a black Labrador, uses to find the missing person, bounding along at her nose, performing live-find search and top speed. There is some barking but mostly rescue. Dora is a member of the Perrysburg, happy intensity to find her missing charge. Ohio, Township Fire Department.

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Book Review by Susan Bulanda “She likes to jump on people. It drives my wife crazy, because if she has to alert on something, she gets so excited she jumps,” Hampton said.

“Obedience is different. You don’t want to kill her drive and over-discipline. You almost have to ignore the bad and just praise the good.”

“When calls come in, sometimes you feel helpless,” Hampton said. “When I got into this business, firefighting and EMS, I wanted to make a difference. “I thought to myself, how can we be proactive?”

The police department has two narcotics search dogs and, during Hampton’s 14 years of fire service, he had seen the help that those dogs provide.

Dora is Hampton’s first working dog and she is part of the family. She is technically his dog and he pays for all of her training and care. Dora is only 10 months old but she is well into her training as a . In less than a year she will test with the Cold Fear by Rick Mofina is one of the best National Search Dog Alliance. books I have read in a long time. This is a real page turner. It takes place in Montana’s Glacier After she is fully certified, Hampton envisions National Park. Although this is a novel, it is using her to help in national emergencies, like very well researched and authentic. with Hurricane Katrina. A family from San Francisco goes camping and source: sent-trib.com the parents, Emily and Doug, have a fight. Emily goes into the woods to calm down. Because of a painful past, Emily cannot tell her family what happened to her as a child in these woods, and it causes tension in the family. Their ten-year-old daughter Paige tries to follow her mother into the woods with their dog. The dog gets away from her and when she tries to find the dog, Paige gets lost.

What follows is an extensive search for Paige. However, because of incidents in the parent’s past, the FBI and police get involved and

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Callie lives at home with her handler, Master suspect that one of them may have killed Sergeant Rudy Parsons. Paige. In addition, a criminal who has connections to Emily is slated to be executed “It’s a pretty extreme relationship because within a few days but escapes. we’re together all the time,” said Parsons. “She tells me what she’s feeling, how her day was. The story is about as authentic as you can get, She’s a very vocal dog.” taking the reader through all the character’s Source: WAVE lives. Cold Fear details the FBI and police mindset and investigation. It also details the SUNBURN search effort with K-9 units and park rangers and the lawyer representing the convicted Dogs with light colored hair coats and thinly criminal. haired ears may be more susceptible to sunburns. Many dog owners are inclined to Rick Mofina weaves a tight story that keeps give their canine a short summer haircut, but you guessing and involved in the complex plot. this could be dangerous The hair coat From a search perspective, it shows how a provides a protective layer against the sun as simple missing person, wilderness search can well as from overheating. escalate into something much bigger. It is technically accurate and clever on all levels. I highly recommend this book. You can find it on the used books market at www.abebooks.com Man sentenced to prison in death of police dog

Callie the Search and Rescue Dog A man convicted of killing a police service dog will spend time in prison. Torey Chase Massey There’s only one search and rescue dog in the was sentenced to 11 years in prison entire U.S. Department of Defense, and she lives in in Louisville, Kentucky. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill released The Kentucky Air National a statement following Guard got the idea after Massey’s sentencing. seeing the devastation caused by the earthquake “I want to thank the in Haiti a few years back. prosecuting attorneys and Inspiration to train a search and rescue dog law enforcement officials came when another agency’s dog was able to who helped bring this secure an area where a school had collapsed. matter to justice. We offer continued Whether she’s on a rescue mission searching condolences to Unified through rubble, jumping out of a plane, or UPD K-9 Dingo Police Department and posing for the cameras, Callie the search and Officer Reyes for the loss of their beloved rescue canine is one of a kind. colleague Dingo.

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search and rescue and they seek out bombs Massey was charged in the death of UPD K-9 and drugs. “Dingo” in July 2017. The second goal of National Dog In April of 2019,, a jury convicted Massey of Day is to rescue dogs in need. On killing Dingo and of other crimes including occasion, dogs need us to save them possession of a dangerous weapon by a from homelessness and abuse. The restricted person, failure to respond of goal of the National Dog Day officers’ signal to stop and avoiding foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs apprehension. a year. Lend a hand to help a dog in need today, or any day. Investigators said U.S. Marshals and Unified police officers were pursuing Massey when Cyanide M44 Bombs Dingo’s handler released him to continue in pursuit. Dingo caught up to Massey and that’s can kill your SAR Dog By Susan Bulanda when police said Massey shot the dog multiple times. Dingo later died at an animal hospital. I came across an article about the M44 cyanide bombs and thought it was important enough to Dingo was a five-year veteran of the force share with SAR dog handlers. These bombs are when he died. used to kill unwanted predators. The way they work is that they are baited with a scent to Source: ABC4 News attract the predator. When the animal grabs

the lure it sets off a burst of sodium cyanide

into the mouth of the victim and when mixed August 26:National Dog Day with their saliva, turns into a gas that kills them almost instantly. National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness These “bombs” are not allowed to be used in and abuse. It's an opportunity for us to National Forests or other recreational lands set recognize and appreciate the value and aside for recreational use, or in areas where importance of dogs in our lives. exposure to public and family and pets is probable, prairie dog towns, state recreational This day is intended to honor dogs for all that areas, National or State Parks, National or they do for us. In State Monuments, federally designated addition to giving wilderness areas, wildlife refuge areas, or state love and recreational areas. They are not allowed in companionship, areas where there is endangered or protected dogs help us out animals such as wolves and grizzly bears. It is in countless allowed in cases where a predator has ways. They are repeatedly attacked . This means if watchdogs for your search sector takes you in areas where our safety. They there is livestock you must check with the lead the blind. rancher to see if they have planted any of Dogs aid in them.

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anyone walking near one. Often, they are at The locations that the Wildlife Services ground level. personnel usually put the M-44s are along game and livestock trails, ridges, fence lines, The good news is that it is very difficult for a seldom-used ranch roads, coyote and fox person to become approved to use them. natural travel ways, rendezvous sites, and Therefore I assume that they are not readily territorial marking sites. available to the general public. Please pass this information on to anyone whose dog could be The device can only be used by trained at risk. certified people. Wildlife Services uses them to control coyotes, feral (wild) dogs, and red and This would include anyone who uses hunting gray foxes that are either suspected of preying dogs, herding dogs and farm dogs in general upon livestock, poultry, or federally designated as well as those who hike in states where the threatened and endangered species or are bombs are allowed. Ask yourself, if you saw vectors of communicable disease. I feel that the warning sign posted in an area, would you this potentially allows for quite frequent use of know what it means if you did not know about the M-44 device in a wide area. the bombs? Whoever falls into that category, should be made aware. Some of the states that allow personal use of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M44_(cyanide_device) the bombs are Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas as well as by state agencies in South https://www.predatordefense.org/m44s.htm Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas. According to the law, if the bombs are https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1015612664 in use in an area, there are supposed to be 7290460\ signs within 15 feet of each bomb. They are not supposed to be located within 100 feet of a Can Dogs Get Hiccups? public road or pathway. The answer is yes, and, according to the The problem lies with the fact that the weather American Kennel Club, dogs get hiccups for the and other situations may cause the signs to fall same reason as their owners: a spasm in the down or vegetation growth could hide them. diaphragm, the muscle under the lung, causes Officials that use M44’s are supposed to check the glottis, (the opening between the vocal them weekly. However, I could not find out if cords) to close suddenly. This spasm results in there is a way to check on how frequently a "hic" sound. other people that use them check on the devices. Of course there is always the illegal While may experience the hiccups use of M44’s as well. As the laws change their after eating or drinking too quickly, when they use may become more widespread, there are are fatigued, when they are overexcited, or if no maps of where they are placed exists. they have a cold, it is rare to for older dogs to If the person setting them is not required to get hiccups. check them regularly the person may forget where they were placed in an area and the How common is it for dogs to get hiccups? bomb could be there for awhile. Although it is not likely that you will encounter one, it is In their combined 50 years of experience, always a good idea to be aware of the Jeff Rockwell, DVM, and Jason Story, DVM, of possibility and watch for the signs. The devices Atlantic Veterinary Hospital in Marblehead, are not big and easily missed by searchers or Massachusetts, do not recall ever seeing an SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 15

CPDT-KA. “It’s thought that the behavior of adult dog with hiccups. “On rare occasions, we rolling in dead or especially stinky things may have seen puppies with hiccups," notes Dr. have originated as a way of disguising the Rockwell. dog’s scent, which could be useful for hunting.”

How can you help stop your dog's hiccups? Why do they “run” in their sleep?

"Hiccups are self-limiting. You really don't have As you may have guessed, this usually means to do anything about them," says Dr. Rockwell they’re dreaming, and fortunately, it’s not noting that you can offer a small amount of usually of any medical significance, says Gary food to stop the hiccups. Other ways to stop Richter, DVM, integrative veterinarian, and the hiccups in dogs include calming then down veterinary health expert at Rover.com. What’s with a favorite tummy rub or a slow drink of interesting is that studies revealed certain dog water according to the American Kennel Club. breeds acted out their hallmark traits while Source: msn/lifestyle dreaming, like an English springer flushing out prey or a pointer “pointing” in its It’s our natural tendency to project our human sleep. If all that “running” during sleep seems traits and emotions onto dogs—until you see excessive, Dr. Richter says it could point to your dog rolling in the mud. underlying stress or a medical condition.

A new study explores the brain structure of various dog breeds and how it relates to their behavior Sharon Begley, STAT 9-3-19

Canine MRIs Sniff Out How Human Preferences Shaped Dogs’ Hallmark Traits

Why do they roll in stinky things? Science has spoken: Getting a to stop herding city Dogs have upwards of 300 million olfactory pigeons or a receptors in their nose and humans have a Doberman mere six million. With all those receptors, you to be more would think dogs’ high scent orientation would companionable or a steer them away from vile and pungent smells, springer spaniel to like dead animals, yet it’s like Eau de Stinky to stop flushing prey is them. “Their opinions about what constitutes going to be a heavy lift for even an expert dog an attractive scent are often different from whisperer. On the bright side, even humans ours,” says veterinarian Jennifer L. who struggle to train their canine companion Summerfield, Brown Veterinary Service, DVM, to leave the upholstery alone will almost

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certainly not mess up their whippet’s ability to us something about our own brains and how hunt by scent, their miniature ’s that happens,” Hecht said. talent for controlling vermin, or their golden ’s instinct for living up to its name. Once dogs split off from wolves, evolutionarily, and began to be domesticated some 20,000 In the first study of its kind, scientists have years ago, humans selected some to breed and documented how brain structure varies across others not to: a female border collie that dog breeds and corresponds to the specific masterfully herded sheep in its behaviors each breed is known for, the Northumberland homeland might be researchers reported in the Journal of introduced to a similarly adept male but her Neuroscience. inept sister was kept well away from potential suitors. A few hundred years ago, that intense Dogs’ different skills are reflected in, and selection pressure for valued traits began undoubtedly caused by, different producing breeds as different in appearance as neuroanatomy, scientists led by evolutionary Great Danes and Pomeranians which, looks biologist Erin Hecht of Harvard University notwithstanding, both belong to the subspecies found. The study Canis lupus familiaris. shows that, for instance, “herding It also produced starkly different behavioral really is in the brain traits. Since the brain is the organ of behavior, of border collies,” results of selection pressure for companionship she said, “and these or hunting or guarding the homestead should findings give us the be written in the gray matter. But until now first window on scientists hadn’t looked for the neuro- how.” The reason, she and her colleagues anatomical basis for why some breeds excel at write, is that for hundreds of years humans one skill while others have different talents—a “have been systematically shaping the brains surprising missed opportunity, Hecht said: “It’s of another species.” kind of amazing to me that we’re the first to publish a paper on this.” The neuroanatomical That brain structure is related to function is basis for dog breeds’ specific well-known, but the study offers hints about skills “is the perfect the interaction between genetically determined experiment” to investigate neuroanatomy and learned behavior. Border how brains evolve. collies aren’t born knowing how to herd; they have to learn. But they pick up that skill quickly The scientists analyzed MRIs because their brains come prewired to do so. of 62 purebred dogs representing 33 breeds, from Similarly, humans aren’t born knowing basset and language. But our brains must be prewired to to Welsh corgis and learn it, given how quickly and universally Yorkshire . They toddlers start speaking. Understanding the identified six brain networks relationship between innate brain wiring and that vary the most across the emergence of learned behavior “might tell breeds and reflect “plainly

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 17 visible” neuroanatomical differences. (They US Postal Service honors military controlled for head size and shape, among other variables, focusing on features most working dogs with new likely to reflect selection for desired traits.)

The neuroanatomical differences predicted behavioral specializations. A network that makes the brain respond strongly to reward (a function centered in the mesolimbic system) supports social bonding, since dogs readily associate treats with the people who dispense them; in terriers, known for the intense bond they form with their humans, this network is especially highly developed, its components tightly linked. ‘forever’ stamp A second network, involving the olfactory cortex and insula, encodes taste and The furriest members of the armed forces smell, and includes the medial frontal cortex, will grace the U.S. Postal Service’s newest which attaches meaning to those perceptions. stamps. The new red, white and blue Its components were stamps featuring military working dogs especially tightly were designed to “honor the nation’s linked in the German brave and loyal canines,” according to a short-haired pointer, Postal Service statement. known for its outstanding hunting The stamps feature artist renderings of skills. A network that four breeds commonly used as military involves the medial working dogs: German shepherd, Dutch prefrontal cortex and shepherd, and Belgian supports sociality stands out in dogs known for malinois, according to an image of the interacting with people, which may explain the stamps. frise’s playfulness and affection. One made up by circuits for In four different stamps, each breed is pictured vision and smell is wearing a working harness, posing against a prominent in police and backdrop of a white star against a red or blue military dogs, such as the background. Dobermans that led U.S. army patrols through Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael DeCarli, a jungles during World War master-at-arms at Yokosuka Naval Base, II. Their brains made them Japan, said he plans to purchase a stamp and do it, or at least let them. feels honored to have his profession featured Source: scientificamerican.com on the classic icon.

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DeCarli, of Evansville, Ind., deployed last year The military working dog stamps will be issued to Qatar and Syria with his military working as “forever” stamps, meaning they “will always dog, Adam. DeCarli and the 6-year-old German be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail shepherd worked to detect explosives and 1-ounce price,” according to the Post Office went on patrols in the two countries from April statement. to December 2018. Postage rates are 55 cents per stamp. “Postage stamps for a long time have been a Source: stripes.com collector’s item featuring important people and events,” Decarli said. “To be considered in that, I feel very honored as part of the [dog- handler] community.”

The U.S. has used military working dogs alongside service members since World War I for multiple purposes, including SYNOPSIS explosives and of narcotics detection, September Board Meeting search and rescue

and security,

according to the We have started using the new Discipline U.S. War Dogs Logos on the photos for certifying handler/K-9 Association. Their teams when posted on the Facebook page. senses of smell and

sight “are literally Work is progressing on the updates for the superhuman,” allowing dogs to do what service Recommended Reading List. members alone could not, according to the

War Dogs Association. There are currently 1,535 subscribers to the

NSDA newsletter. Chief Petty Officer Autumn NoRunnerHerron, a master-at-arms and regional kennel master for The final draft for the Urban Trailing Standards Navy Region Japan, said in an e-mail to Stars has been submitted to the Board for approval. and Stripes that the stamps will build awareness among civilians, “helping them Several motions were reported from the Face- understand the contribution of the 1% that to-Face meeting on August 24, 2019 in serve and the smaller percentage of those who Chicago: earn the title of K-9. 1. A motion was made to remove the Letter

of Recommendation from the Certification “The military working dog is born into service Test Prerequisites. without anyone asking them if they wish to The motion carried. serve,” NoRunnerHerron said. “Even with this 2. A motion was made to change the fact of involuntary service, the military working wording of the Vaccination Requirements dog is still the bravest and most dependable of for the Certification Testing to read: warriors on the battlefield and at home.” SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 19

• Proof that dog is 1 (one) year of age. Founding Members— • Copy of veterinary records of current rabies vaccination. K-9 Thor, Eileen M. Nobles, Susan Bulanda, K-9 • Copy of veterinary records proving that Roo, Leslie Godchaux, Brian R. Hendrickson, the K-9 has received the adult Continental Kennel Club, Inc., K-9 River, K-9 vaccinations for distemper and parvo at Persha; Jan Thompson, K-9 Cali, Peggy Ann a minimum age of 1 (one) year old, OR Buchman; K-9 Geist a positive titer test within the past 12 (twelve) months. Bahamas woman opens her home to The motion carried. 97 rescue dogs during Hurricane 3. A motion was made to amend the rule about e-collars to add an allowance for Dorian the use of GPS collars if the Evaluator holds the receiver. The testing candidate Amid Hurricane Dorian, one of the most will be allowed to view the receiver upon powerful storms to ever hit the Bahamas, Chella request throughout the test. Phillips opened her Nassau home to 97 The motion carried. homeless and abandoned dogs. 4. A motion was made to add SUSAR to the list of approved organizations. Phillips described her experience wrangling the The motion carried. dogs in a Facebook post, saying that 79 of the 5. A motion was made to begin drafting a dogs were in her bedroom to ride out the large acre Human Remains Test. storm. The motion carried. “Each island has abundance of homeless dogs, my heart is so broken for the ones without a place to hide a CAT 5 monster and only God can protect them now," she wrote. In another Facebook post, Phillips wrote that the area had experienced flooding, but that the dogs are safe.

NSDA Board of Directors "We are alright after a stressful night," she wrote. "All services are down, all TVs are fried OFFICERS from the lightnings so no more cartoons for the Adam Kelly, President & CEO, MI sick dogs until we can purchase new ones." [email protected] Roy Pescador, Executive VP, Canada "I don't see how any dogs or any living being [email protected] could have survived outside. My heart goes out Julie Grinnell, Corporate Secretary, MI to them. Thank you for the outpouring support [email protected] and heartfelt prayers," she wrote. Norma Snelling, Chief Financial Officer, WA [email protected] Phillips, who was born in Peru, says she has spent the past 15 years saving nearly 1,000 DIRECTOR homeless and abandoned street dogs in the Sherry Scruggs, GA Bahamas, and finding homes in the U.S. for [email protected] more than 200 dogs. Source: abcnews.go.com

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 20

KIBBLES & BITS by Susan Bulanda

In this article I want to talk about mosquitoes.

You may say what in the world do mosquitoes have to do with SAR? Well, it turns out that there are a variety of mosquitoes that specifically target humans. If you recall, in my January issue of K & B I talked about the research that Prof. Nowotny has done to determine exactly what dogs detect when they target an odor. He found that dogs detect a scent picture rather than one specific scent. This is logical when you think of the fact that everything in our environment is made up of a collection of scents, not just one specific scent, and, even if an object had one scent, the surrounding environment will add to the scent picture. That means that no one scent is isolated from other scents.

What I found very interesting is a joint research project by Carolyn "Lindy" McBride, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, who are studying why certain species of mosquitoes target only humans.

According to her research, of the more than 3,000 varieties of mosquitoes, only a few specifically target humans. For example, mosquitos Aedes aegypti, which are the primary host for dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever, Culex pipiens, which carries West Nile virus. Species A. aegypti also specializes in humans, while mosquito C. pipiens is less specialized, allowing it to transmit West Nile from birds to humans. McBride has determined that these mosquitoes are attracted to human odor. In her research she has determined that human odor is composed of more than 100 different compounds and that these same compounds, in a different ratio, are the same in most mammals.

According to an article in Current Biology, some of those compounds include our body heat and the carbon dioxide in our breath. Researchers have determined that a certain olfactory receptor in the antennae of mosquitoes also serves as a detector of humans, responding to smelly chemicals in our sweat. https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30215-5 What caught my attention is the statement in McBride’s report that explains "Not any one of those chemicals is attractive to mosquitoes by itself, so mosquitoes must recognize the ratio, the exact blend of components that defines human odor. So how does their brain figure it out?" What also caught my attention is the statement that the same 100 compounds that make up human scent also make up the scent of most mammals, but in different ratios. We know that not all dogs have the same ability to detect odor. McBride’s research poses a few questions

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 21 or possibilities. Is it possible for a dog to identify one of the 100 compounds that make up human scent as the main target odor and then detect the same compound in an animal, causing the dog to give a false indication? Since the brain processes the information about odors, is it possible that a physiological issue with a dog’s brain would cause them to process the target odor improperly? Is it possible that a dog who does not have the same scenting capacity as another dog, could mistake an animal scent for human scent? Is this a possible cause for a false indication (other than training error)? Do we have to devise a better test to determine the scenting ability of one dog over another? (I am not referring to breed but individuals). Could these possibilities be one reason why some dogs succeed at SAR work and others do not? It is interesting to consider these possibilities. So far McBride’s research coincides with Professor Nowotny’s research about how dogs use a scent picture to locate what they are trained to find. If McBride’s research is successful in determining how the mosquito’s brain identifies human odor, it may give us a better idea how a dog’s brain does the same thing. The more we understand about what dogs detect when they look for a target scent, the better we will be able to train them and understand the signals that they give us in the field. I have always taught my students to study all animals to understand our pets. Often information about one species gives us a clue to help us understand another. As I find out more, I will keep you all posted. Source: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190702184559.htm

200 page Spiral HRD Logbook Send your order to Norma Snelling 6 ½ x 8” $9.00 P.O. Box 3100 Easy to carry all of your logs in one place Sequim, WA 98382 Please make your personal check out to NSDA

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 22

However the healthy pups can quickly be THE LAST HOWL placed in a forever home for a generous By Sue Wolff donation of $100 per dog—and up depending on the breed. It’s a whole Opinions expressed in this column are new way to prey on those of those of the author and not us who care about the health necessarily those of the National and wellbeing of canines. Search Dog Alliance.

Not just canines are being Recently I read an article in Huffington Post utilized in this manner, rabbits about a dog rescue group which was saving are too. One rabbit farmer dogs from puppy mills. The pictures used by exists only to provide cute, this rescue group were the same sad, long eared, furry creatures to emaciated, sick canines that the Humane “rescues.” Societies use in their TV commercials.

Obtaining a dog from the local pound or The article in the Post was shelter is a good option but even they can be an expose of a specific unhealthy. Check with your veterinarian as to rescue (that I will not name the reputation of these institutions and be sure here) and their distinctive to take your rescued dog directly for a health practices. However, I check. found, through more

research, that their It’s good to know from where your rescued practices are similar to animal comes. Was it given up by a family other puppy mill rescuers. who could no longer afford to keep it? Was it

surrendered because the owners were moving This article and others have been brought and their new place didn’t allow pets? These about by the new rush by state legislatures to are all legitimate reasons for dogs to be given limit puppy mill’s creations, continuations and up. sales to pet stores. While I agree with the ideals of these law makers and with some of SAR K-9 handlers often purchase pure bred their solutions to the problems i.e. licensing, dogs and, in these cases, should do deep they have inadvertently created another type research into the breeders history. The of black market in K-9s. Humane Society of the United States has a list

on their website of the Horrible Hundred Now that puppy mills can no longer sell to pet breeders. There are also other stores, their main market has dried up and sources from which to garner sales have plummeted often causing local information on breeders. pet stores to go out of business. Enter a new market for their puppies—the puppy Whatever you do, don’t be mill rescuers. These rescuers come into a taken in by a con artist preying puppy mill and not only take the sick and on your sympathy for a starved animals but also healthy ones. The pathetic, starving animal. Do sick ones are taken to veterinarians for your homework—even if you’re help or sometimes euthanized if they would going to the pound for a puppy. take too long to get well.

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 23

WANT A TEST IN YOUR AREA?

3–9 HANDLERS TESTING? Less than 10 tests? You may be eligible for up to $300 in grant money from NSDA to bring in an Evaluator(s).

6 OR MORE HANDLERS TESTING? 10 or more tests? We may pay up to $500 in travel expenses for each Evaluator giving three or more tests. Invite your team or anyone in your area.

Field Test: $35.00 for members, $75.00 for non-members. Go to www.n-sda.org and check the top banner for “Testing” Or if you need a test, contact Karen Nesbit at [email protected]. FREEBIE! List your Tests, Training Seminars, and Conferences in the SAR Dog News at no cost to you REACH OVER 1,530 SAR K-9 HANDLERS Contact Norma Snelling at: [email protected] TESTS 2019 Topic Location Contact

September

29 Land HRD Verona, WI Rachel Kravitz [email protected]

October

Land HRD, Area/large source, 3-5 Idaho Fall, ID Rena Ferguson [email protected] Area CLOSED

Land HRD, Area, and Area Adam Kelly 5-6 Michigan [email protected] with large source. CLOSED Area, GSR, Trailing, Land HRD, 5-6 Kittitas Co, WA JoMay Wyatt-Pescador [email protected] Water HRD Area, Area/large source, Land 25-27 Libby, MT Jess Logsdon [email protected] HRD

November

Area, Area search with Large 2-3 San Diego, CA Lenore Ceithaml [email protected] HR, Land HRD

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The seminars listed below are not sponsored by NSDA. These seminars have not been reviewed by NSDA and their listing should not be construed as an endorsement or sanction. NSDA retains the right to not post seminars where we have heard complaints of animal abuse or excessive foul language.

TRAINING SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES

2019 Topic Location Contact September Canine Canon City, 17-28 Training Coordinator http://www.caninetrainingacademy.com/dickstaalseminar CO Academy Craig 20-21 Georgia [email protected] seminar Schultz SDONA 20-22 Stillwater, IA Coordinator www.SDONA.org seminar Dog training Craig 22-23 Georgia [email protected] seminar Schultz Old Dominion Appomattox, Tim & Suzy 22-27 K9 SAR www.olddominionsar.com VA Perry workshop AMPWDA Cloverdale, 22-28 Coordinator www.ampwda.com/fees.html National Conf. IN Hard Surface Scotland Tennessee 23-26 Tracking [email protected] Neck, NC Bowling Seminar Clandestine and historical 26-30 Rupert, ID Coordinator www.hrdspecializedk9.com grave detection October NSI K9 seminar, land 2-6 Seymour, IN Coordinator www.nsk9ta.com/seminar & water HRD, trailing K9530 Basic 5-6 disaster TBA Lillian Hardy [email protected] search CSAR Annual Townsend, 6-11 Coordinator www.facebook.com/groups/caninesearchandrecovery/ Conference TN Advanced Abingdon, 11-13 Coordinator [email protected] www.mdsdogs.org/events HRD Seminar MD AMPWDA K9 Cloverdale, 12 Coordinator http://ampwda.com/freetraining-2019.pdf training IN Superfit Red Feather 12-15 Coordinator www.Superfitcanine.com Canine Lakes, CA K9330 Interm. 24-25 TBA Lillian Hardy [email protected] Disaster search

SAR DOG NEWS September 2019 Page 25

October continued Forensic Anthropology San Marcos, 25-27 Coordinator Facts.k9@gmailcom Center TX seminar K9430 Advan. 26-27 Disaster TBA Lillian Hardy [email protected] search November Southern Cal 1-3 Idyllwild, CA Coordinator Www.southerncak9seminar.com K9 seminar CFTE HRD 4-6 Xenia, OH Coordinator https://thecfte.com/courses/ foundations HRD Specialty Wildersville, Marshia 6-10 Seminar [email protected] MS Morton AWDA Tracking 7-10 Seminar, LE Sarasota, FL Coordinator www.sarasotak9sar.net and SAR CFTE HRD 8-10 Xenia, OH Coordinator https://thecfte.com/courses/ burials AMPWDA K9 Indianapolis, 9 Coordinator http://ampwda.com/freetraining-2019.pdf training IN December Clandestine and historical Mays 5-9 Coordinator www.hrdspecializedk9.com grave Landing, NJ detection AMPWDA K9 Indianapolis, 7 Coordinator http://ampwda.com/freetraining-2019.pdf training IN